Normal Variability in the Quantitative Assessment of Breast Tissue by MRI

Ania Szary¹, Sheye Aliu¹, Sachiko Suzuki¹, Catherine Klifa¹, Dorota Wisner¹, Evelyn Proctor¹, Bonnie Joe¹, Nola Hylton¹

Knowledge of normal breast tissue MRI variability is essential to increase MRI specificity in breast cancer detection. This study prospectively investigates variability of quantitative breast MRI parameters in healthy volunteers while controlling for hormonal fluctuation to improve knowledge of normal breast tissue range. All breast parameters show no significant difference between right and left breasts and between visits. Breast volume demonstrates the least variability per subject and amongst all subjects between visits, apparent diffusion coefficient values demonstrate the highest variability, and percent enhancement (PE) and fibroglandular volume show mild variability. No correlation between fibroglandular volume and PE was seen.