Comparison of image quality and application values on different field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging of breast cancer

Background: Single-shot echo planar imaging (SS-EPI) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is the most-widely sequence in breast MRI. MRI artifacts and magnetic susceptibility are sometimes severe when this sequence is utilized at 3T. Purpose: To compare the imaging quality, ADC values between SS-EPI DWI sequence and two reduced field-of-view (rFOV) DWI sequences of breast cancer. Material and Methods: Twelve cases with breast cancer were scanned using SS-EPI DWI (FOV, 360x360mm), rFOV DWI1 (FOV, 360x180mm), and rFOV DWI2 (FOV, 280x140mm), respectively. Image quality (scores 1 to 5) and ADC values of breast imaging were compared among three groups by different DWI sequences. SNR were compared between rFOV DWI1 and rFOV DWI2. Results: The imaging quality score of 12 cases was 5.00 in rFOV DWI1, 3.60 in SS-EPI DWI, and 3.75 in rFOV DWI2. The mean ADC value of 12 cases was 1.211x10(-3)mm(2)/s in SS-EPI DWI, 1.107x10(-3)mm(2)/s in rFOV DWI1, and 1.038x10(-3)mm(2)/s in rFOV DWI2. SNR of rFOV DWI1 images was much higher than that of rFOV DWI2. Conclusion: rFOV DWI1 is the optimal DWI sequence in our study. Comparing with SS EPI DWI, suitable rFOV DWI has an obvious advantage, which can present higher image resolution and less distortion. It may be helpful in the diagnosis of breast cancer.