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

ABSTRACT

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 λ1 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: λ1 is sensitive to differences in BPE within normal breast tissue that should be taken into account in DTI evaluation.