Half-Fourier, three-dimensional technique for dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of both breasts and axillae: Initial characterization of breast lesions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of asymmetric half-Fourier three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to characterize signal intensity changes in breasts and axillae after contrast material injection and to compare the spatial resolution and measured signal intensity change of asymmetric and symmetric (keyhole) partial Fourier techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging was performed in 28 adult patients by collecting a single full-Fourier 3D data set with bolus injection of contrast material during the last 10 seconds followed by collection of six half-Fourier 3D data sets without interimage delays. Postcontrast keyhole and half-Fourier images were formed from the same full-Fourier raw data set. RESULTS: The asymmetric half-Fourier 3D technique maintained the spatial resolution and lesion signal intensity of the full-Fourier image, whereas the 50% keyhole method degraded the spatial resolution by a factor of two and decreased the lesion signal intensity by 19% for a 2 x 2-pixel region of interest Histopathologic correlation was attained in 32 lesions in 28 patients. Sensitivity was 100% (five of five) and specificity was 89% (24 of 27). CONCLUSION: The asymmetric half-Fourier 3D MR imaging technique allows imaging of both breasts and axillae without loss of lesion contrast or temporal resolution and provides the maximum spatial resolution and lesion signal intensity attainable for the views sampled.