Differentiation between the effects of T-1 and T-2* shortening in contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast

The purpose of this study is to describe a technique for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can potentially improve identification of malignant tis sue in the human breast. The suggested MRI technique is based on the differ entiation between two competing effects leading to opposite changes in imag e intensity, namely, T-1 and T-2* shortening caused by administration of ga dolinium chelate. The proposed approach also allows calculation of changes in the R-2* relaxation rate in breast tissue, The feasibility of the techni que for in vivo MRI and increased lesion contrast is demonstrated. The resu lts indicate that this technique may improve detection of malignant breast tissue. J, Magn. Reson, Imaging 1999;9:172-176, (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.