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Side of contrast injection and breast size correlate with motion artifacts grade and image quality on breast MRI
Luca A Carbonaro1, Simone Schiaffino1, Paola Clauser2
1Radiology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy.
Background:
Motion is a relevant cause of artifacts in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), potentially degrading image quality, even with optimized protocols.
Purpose:
To investigate the causes of motion artifacts (MA) impacting on image quality (IQ) of contrast-enhanced breast MRI.
Material And Methods:
Retrospective two-center study on consecutive 1.5-T contrast-enhanced breast MRI, independently reviewed by two radiologists on first subtracted and maximum intensity projection images to define the side most affected by MA. IQ was scored as 1 (optimal), 2 (reduced, but without reduction of diagnostic power), or 3 (reduced, with reduced diagnostic power). Correlations with injection side, breast size (A/B vs. C/D cups), patient age, clinical indication, and MRI scanner/protocol were assessed using χ2 and Fisher's exact statistics.
Results:
In total, 237 examinations were included, with right injection performed in 124 (52%) and left in 113 (48%). MA were more frequent on the side ipsilateral to the injection (144/237, 61%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 54-67%) than on the contralateral (93/237, 95% CI 33-46%) (P < 0.001); IQ was scored 1 in 154/237 (65%), 2 in 63/237 (27%), and 3 in 20/237 (8%) examinations; patients with A/B cups showed higher IQ score than patients with C/D cups (scores 1, 2, and 3: 54% vs. 70%; 29% vs. 25%; 17% vs. 5%, respectively, P = 0.002). No significant correlations were found for MA (P≥0.106) or IQ (P ≥ 0.318) between ipsi- or contralateral injection and right/left injection, breast size, age, indication, or scanner/protocol.
Conclusion:
MA were more frequent in breasts ipsilateral to contrast injection and showed a reduced IQ for small breasts.
Insights
Motion artifacts (MA) are common in breast MRI. They are more frequent on the side of contrast injection and reduce image quality (IQ) in smaller breasts.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Breast MRI
Background:
- Motion artifacts (MA) are a significant challenge in breast MRI, often degrading image quality (IQ).
- Optimized protocols may not fully eliminate motion-induced artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causes of motion artifacts (MA) affecting image quality (IQ) in contrast-enhanced breast MRI.
- To analyze the impact of contrast injection side and patient factors on MA and IQ.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 237 contrast-enhanced 1.5-T breast MRI scans from two centers.
- Independent review by two radiologists to assess MA and score IQ (1=optimal, 2=reduced but diagnostic, 3=reduced and non-diagnostic).
- Statistical analysis (chi-squared, Fisher's exact) to correlate MA/IQ with injection side, breast size, age, indication, and scanner/protocol.
Main Results:
- Motion artifacts (MA) were more frequent on the side ipsilateral to contrast injection (61%) compared to the contralateral side (P < 0.001).
- Optimal image quality (IQ score 1) was achieved in 65% of examinations.
- Patients with smaller breasts (A/B cups) had significantly higher IQ scores compared to those with larger breasts (C/D cups) (P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Motion artifacts are more prevalent in the breast ipsilateral to contrast administration.
- Smaller breast size is associated with reduced image quality in contrast-enhanced breast MRI.
- No significant correlation found between MA/IQ and other assessed factors like patient age or scanner type.
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