Differentiation between phyllodes tumours and fibroadenomas using intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance

Hiroko Kawashima1,2, Tosiaki Miyati1, Naoki Ohno1

  • 11 Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University , Kanazawa , Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI parameters, specifically the perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), can help distinguish fibroadenomas (FAs) from borderline and malignant phyllodes tumors (BMPTs). Lower D* and higher ADC values are observed in BMPTs compared to FAs.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Distinguishing between fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumors (PTs) is crucial in breast lesion management.
  • Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI offers advanced quantitative imaging parameters beyond standard diffusion-weighted imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of IVIM MRI parameters, including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), in differentiating FAs from PTs.
  • To compare quantitative IVIM parameters such as pure diffusion coefficient (D) and perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*) between these breast lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 7 FAs, 10 benign PTs, 4 borderline PTs, and 1 malignant PT using a 3 T MRI scanner.
  • Biexponential analysis of IVIM data to calculate D, D*, and f; monoexponential fitting was used for ADC calculation.

Main Results:

  • The ADC values were significantly higher in borderline or malignant PTs (BMPTs) compared to FAs (p = 0.048).
  • The D* values showed a trend of increasing from BMPT to FA, with significantly lower D* in BMPTs than FAs (p = 0.048).
  • No significant difference in the D value was observed among the groups.

Conclusions:

  • IVIM-derived D* and ADC values are valuable in differentiating FAs from BMPTs.
  • IVIM MRI demonstrates that borderline and malignant PTs exhibit lower perfusion-related diffusion coefficients (D*) and higher ADC values compared to FAs.