Diffusion tensor imaging in the normal breast: influences of fibroglandular tissue composition and background parenchymal enhancement

Objective: To evaluate effects of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) composition and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in normal breast tissue. Methods: DTI analysis was performed on 35 breasts with regions of interest drawn to include only normal tissue. Breasts were dichotomized by FGT composition and by BPE; DTI parameters were compared. Results: The lambda(1) principal diffusion coefficient was lower in breasts with moderate/marked BPE versus those with minimal/mild BPE (P=.039). All other parameters were unaffected. Conclusion: lambda(1) is sensitive to differences in BPE within normal breast tissue that should be taken into account in DTI evaluation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.