Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast: Standardization of Image Acquisition and Interpretation

  • Su Hyun Lee (Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital) ;
  • Hee Jung Shin (Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Woo Kyung Moon (Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital)
  • Received : 2020.02.05
  • Accepted : 2020.05.09
  • Published : 2021.01.01
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Abstract

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a rapid, unenhanced imaging technique that measures the motion of water molecules within tissues and provides information regarding the cell density and tissue microstructure. DW MRI has demonstrated the potential to improve the specificity of breast MRI, facilitate the evaluation of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and can be employed in unenhanced MRI screening. However, standardization of the acquisition and interpretation of DW MRI is challenging. Recently, the European Society of Breast Radiology issued a consensus statement, which described the acquisition parameters and interpretation of DW MRI. The current article describes the basic principles, standardized acquisition protocols and interpretation guidelines, and the clinical applications of DW MRI in breast imaging.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a grant from the National R&D Program for Cancer Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (HA17C0056).

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