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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
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Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: December 15, 2014
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Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: Does Image Acquisition Time and Projection Order Matter?
Dennis Dwan1, Christina Konstantopoulos1, Tejas S Mehta2
1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Breast Imaging
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Readers prefer earlier images in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for better cancer detection. Earlier imaging improves visualization and confidence in assessing breast cancer characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is crucial for breast cancer detection.
- Optimizing image acquisition timing is essential for maximizing cancer visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reader preference for image order in CEM.
- To identify optimal contrast administration timing for cancer visualization.
Main Methods:
- A reader study evaluated consecutive CEMs in patients with unifocal breast cancer.
- Readers assessed cancer visibility, margin confidence, and conspicuity on images acquired with different projection orders (CC-first vs. MLO-first).
- Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was also measured.
Main Results:
- Readers showed a significant preference for earlier-obtained images for cancer visibility, margin confidence, and lesion conspicuity.
- Earlier imaging reduced instances of mischaracterization of lesion type.
- Craniocaudal (CC) projection was preferred for lesion conspicuity.
Conclusions:
- Earlier imaging in CEM significantly enhances reader ability to evaluate cancer characteristics.
- Image timing is a critical factor in optimizing diagnostic performance of CEM.
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