Synopsis

Perfusion imaging of the breast as measured by the most common method of DCE-MRI is reviewed in this lecture. The three approaches for breast DCE-MRI data analysis, qualitative curve shape description, semi-quantitative analysis, and quantitative pharmacokinetic modeling, as well as their pros and cons, are discussed. Examples of major applications in clinical care and research of breast cancer are demonstrated. With quantitative pharmacokinetic modeling of DCE-MRI data increasingly used in clinical trial and research settings, major technical considerations that affect quantitative parameter accuracy and precision are discussed.