Diffusion-Weighted Half-Fourier Single-Shot Turbo Spin Echo Imaging in Breast Tumors: Differentiation of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma from Fibroadenoma

Abstract

Purpose 

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo (DW-HASTE) imaging in differentiating invasive ductal carcinoma from fibroadenoma.

Method 

The DW-HASTE imaging was performed in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 16) and fibroadenoma (n = 6). Images were obtained with diffusion-sensitizing gradients of 0 and 700 mm²/s. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated.

Results 

The DW–HASTE imaging was not affected with susceptibility and chemical shift artifacts usually present in DW echo planar imaging. The DW-HASTE imaging had low tumor detectability (62%), however. The difference in mean ADC of invasive ductal carcinoma (1.216 ± 0.189 × 10⁻³mm²/s) and fibroadenoma (1.495 ± 0.181 × 10⁻³mm²/s) was statistically significant.

Conclusion 

Apparent diffusion coefficient measurement using DW-HASTE imaging is helpful in differentiating invasive ductal carcinoma from fibroadenoma. Nevertheless, DW-HASTE imaging has low detectability at present; therefore, more technologic improvement is desired.