Breast magnetic resonance imaging: A computer-based analysis of enhancement curves

The aim of this work is to report our experience in contrast-enhanced magne tic resonance (MR) automatic analysis. This technique is usually used in ou r practice for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Study execution and semiauto matic data analysis require at least 1 hour of the radiologist. So, we deci ded to develop a tool that aids the radiologist in locating the regions of neoplastic angiogenesis and quickly plotting the enhancement curves. This i s not a computer-aided diagnostic tool; of course, the curves are interpret ing directly by the radiologist. We used a programmable graphical and calcu lus environment (Matlab, The Mathworks, Natick, MA) to develop a tool that interfaces directly with our picture archiving and communication system (PA CS) via Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), receives im ages, performs images subtraction, and shows some possible regions of inter est (ROIs), each with an enhancement curve. The radiologist can also select other ROIs. The software shows a flood performance (sensitivity, 100%). A low specificity (25%) is acceptable because the software allows the radiolo gist to save some time during each study. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunde rs Company.