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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: December 15, 2014
Value of MRI sequences for prediction of invasive breast carcinoma size
Irmak Durur-Subasi1, Afak Durur-Karakaya, Adem Karaman
1Department of Radiology, Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.
Introduction:
In this retrospective study, we compared transverse short tau inversion recovery (STIR), transverse diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and first post-contrast fat-saturated fast low-angle shot (FLASH) 3D T1 with pathology results in terms of their accuracy in estimating breast carcinoma size.
Methods:
Magnetic resonance imaging data for 47 patients with invasive breast carcinoma, who were treated surgically, were reviewed. The longest dimension (LD) of the index lesion was measured using STIR, DWI, ADC map and first post-contrast FLASH 3D T1, and this was compared with the LD measured on the pathology specimen.
Results:
All four MRI sequences overestimated the LD by an average of about 1 mm with 95% limits of agreement approximately 0 to 2 mm. This is not considered to be clinically significant in tumours of 10 mm or larger.
Conclusion:
Magnetic resonance imaging serves as an accurate tool in sizing breast carcinomas. ADC may be a useful evaluation tool for sizing carcinomas without requiring contrast material.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately sizes breast carcinomas. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping shows promise for estimating tumor size without contrast agents.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate breast carcinoma sizing is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis.
- Various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are used for tumor assessment.
- Comparing MRI-derived measurements with pathological findings is essential for validating imaging accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of different MRI sequences in estimating breast carcinoma size.
- To evaluate transverse short tau inversion recovery (STIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging (T1) against pathology results.
- To determine the clinical significance of size discrepancies between MRI and pathology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MRI data from 47 patients with surgically treated invasive breast carcinoma.
- Measurement of the longest dimension (LD) of the index lesion using STIR, DWI, ADC map, and post-contrast FLASH 3D T1 sequences.
- Comparison of MRI-measured LD with the LD determined from pathology specimens.
Main Results:
- All four MRI sequences showed a slight overestimation of the longest dimension (LD), averaging approximately 1 mm.
- The 95% limits of agreement ranged from 0 to 2 mm, indicating good consistency.
- This degree of overestimation is not considered clinically significant for tumors measuring 10 mm or larger.
Conclusions:
- MRI is an accurate tool for sizing breast carcinomas.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping offers a potential contrast-agent-free method for evaluating carcinoma size.
- Further research into ADC's utility in breast cancer management is warranted.
