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Assessment of breast tissue changes on hormonal replacement therapy using MRI: a pilot study
J R Reichenbach1, C Przetak, G Klinger
1Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Friedrich-Schiller Universität, Jena, Germany.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 29, 1999
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes in breast tissue during hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Combined estrogen and progestagen therapy showed parenchymal pattern changes in some post-menopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used by post-menopausal women.
- The effects of HRT on breast tissue morphology require further investigation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers advanced capabilities for tissue analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphologic effects of HRT on breast tissue in post-menopausal women using MRI.
- To assess changes in breast parenchyma composition during different HRT regimens.
Main Methods:
- Five post-menopausal women received estrogen-only and combined estrogen-progestagen therapy.
- 3D T1-weighted MRI scans were acquired before and after each HRT regimen.
- Segmentation algorithms and histogram evaluation quantified parenchymal tissue-to-fat ratios.
Main Results:
- Combined estrogen-progestagen therapy led to increased parenchymal tissue/fat ratios in two subjects.
- This indicates a change in breast parenchymal pattern with combined HRT.
- No significant changes were observed during estrogen-only therapy.
Conclusions:
- MRI can effectively detect and quantify morphologic changes in breast parenchyma during HRT.
- Combined HRT regimens may induce more significant changes in breast tissue composition compared to estrogen-only therapy.