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JSM Breast Cancer and Research

High-Resolution-MRI of the Breast Including All Locoregional Lymph Nodes: All-In-One with Additional Use of a Body Coil on the Back (Sandwich Concept)

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Received: 30-Oct-2024

Accepted: 07-Nov-2024

Published: 09-Nov-2024

Research Article | Volume 5 - Issue 1 | Article DOI :

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Fischer Uwe*, El Hajab Anja, Meiser Nadia, Baum Friedemann, and Rüschoff Jutta

¹Diagnostic Breast Care Center, Bahnhofsallee 1d, 37081 Goettingen, Germany

Corresponding Author:

Uwe Fischer, Diagnostic Breast Care Center, Bahnhofsallee 1d, 37081 Goettingen, Germany, Tel: 0551 820740

Keywords

Breast MRI; Lymph node diagnostics; Sandwich concept; Breast carcinoma.

Abstract

  • Background: Breast MRI is a valuable tool, especially for women with dense breasts, but its visualization of all local lymph nodes is limited.

  • Purpose: To demonstrate a breast MRI technique using a body coil on the back in addition to a breast surface coil to improve imaging of the breast and locoregional lymph nodes.

  • Materials and Methods:

    • Breast MRI performed with a dedicated surface coil AND a second coil on the back.

    • Prone position.

    • High spatial resolution ("MIO Breast MRI").

    • Total examination time: 8:32 minutes for the breast MRI portion.

    • Included T2 measurement and dynamic T1 sequences (before and twice after 5 ml gadobutrol – a first-pass technique).

    • Additional coronal fat-suppressed T1 VIBE DIXON sequence:

      • 52 slices, 3mm thickness

      • Matrix 320 x 240

      • TR 4.2ms, TE 1.34/2.57ms

      • FOV 420mm

      • Measurement time: 16 seconds

  • Results: The "sandwich technique" (breast coil + body coil) enabled detection of breast carcinomas AND imaging of axillary, infra-, supraclavicular, and parasternal lymph nodes. Total measurement time was 8:48 minutes (8:32 breast MRI + 16 seconds for lymph nodes). Optional lymph node imaging before contrast agent administration could be done in an additional 16 seconds.

  • Conclusion: Combining breast and body surface coils provides high-quality breast MRI and sufficient imaging of all locoregional lymph nodes in under 10 minutes. This is particularly useful for preoperative local MR staging.

Citation

Uwe F, Anja EH, Nadia M, Friedemann B, Jutta R. (2024) High Resolution-MRI of the Breast Including All Locoregional Lymph Nodes: All In-One with Additional Use of a Body Coil on the Back (Sandwich Concept). JSM Breast Cancer Res 5: 6.