Feasibility of Velocity-Selective Arterial Spin Labeling in Breast Cancer Patients for Noncontrast-Enhanced Perfusion Imaging.

Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. However, due to high costs and retention of intravenously injected gadolinium-based contrast agent, screening with DCE-MRI is only recommended for patients who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. Thus, a noncontrast-enhanced alternative to DCE is desirable.

Purpose: To investigate whether velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VS-ASL) can be used to identify increased perfusion and vascularity within breast lesions compared to surrounding tissue.

Study Type: Prospective.

Population: Eight breast cancer patients.

Field Strength/sequence: A 3 T; VS-ASL with multislice single-shot gradient-echo echo-planar-imaging readout.

Assessment: VS-ASL scans were independently assessed by three radiologists, with 3-25 years of experience in breast radiology. Scans were scored on lesion visibility and artifacts, based on a 3-point Likert scale. A score of 1 corresponded to "lesions being distinguishable from background" (lesion visibility), and "no or few artifacts visible, artifacts can be distinguished from blood signal" (artifact score). A distinction was made between mass and nonmass lesions (based on BI-RADS lexicon), as assessed in the standard clinical exam.

Statistical Tests: Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement.

Results: The ICC was 0.77 for lesion visibility and 0.84 for the artifact score. Overall, mass lesions had a mean score of 1.27 on lesion visibility and 1.53 on the artifact score. Nonmass lesions had a mean score of 2.11 on lesion visibility and 2.11 on the artifact score.

Data Conclusion: We have demonstrated the technical feasibility of bilateral whole-breast perfusion imaging using VS-ASL in breast cancer patients.

Evidence Level: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.