Magnetic resonance elastography of the breast - Correlation of signal intensity data with viscoelastic properties

Objectives: We sought to investigate the potential value of magnetic resonance (MR) elastography to improve the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Material and Methods: Measurements of 5 patients with 6 malignant lesions, 11 patients with benign lesions, and 4 patients with no lesions at all were performed at 1.5 Tesla. After breast MR imaging, MR elastography was performed as a targeted measurement. Low-frequency mechanical waves (65 Hz) were transmitted into the breast tissue using an oscillator and were displayed by means of a MR sequence within the phase of the MR image. After reconstruction, the viscoelastic information was correlated with the signal intensity and morphology data. Results: All examinations were technically successful realized in approximately 25 minutes. Malignant tumors documented higher values of elasticity than benign corresponding with signal intensity and morphologic data. Conclusion: A good separation exists between benign and malignant lesions in elasticity, corresponding with specific signal intensity and morphologic data. Further clinical studies with a larger number of patients are needed for extended validation.