New MRI Procedures for Diagnosing Breast Cancer in Women

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

- Evaluate the feasibility of two new pulse sequences for breast MRI using newly
developed software (volume imaging for breast assessment NT [VIBRANT-DE] and 3D fast
spin-echo extended echo-train acquisition [3DFSE-XETA]).

Secondary

- Assess the performance of two breast pulse sequences quantitatively and qualitatively,
and compare these results with the same parameters using standard breast MRI sequences.

OUTLINE: Conventional breast images will be taken using standard sequences consisting of
T2-weighted imaging and T1-weighted imaging before and after contrast (gadopentetate
dimeglumine); these will be used for the diagnostic examination. Following the diagnostic
examination, two additional sequences, volume imaging for breast assessment NT (VIBRANT-DE)
and 3D fast spin-echo extended echo-train acquisition (3DFSE-XETA), will be performed.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Undergoing a diagnostic breast MRI for a known or suspicious lesion

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Female

- Not pregnant

- Able to comply with or complete the MRI exam

- No claustrophobia or high levels of anxiety

- No pacemaker, aneurysm clip, or any other condition that would warrant avoidance of a
strong magnetic field

- No other condition that would preclude MRI examination

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- Not specified