Lipid composition mapping of the breast in BRCA1/2 genetic mutation carriers using chemical shift-encoded imaging

Motivation: Deregulation of lipid composition in the breast of BRCA1/2 carriers has been observed using single voxel spectral edited MRS, however the spatial distribution may further distinguish the disease state. Goal(s): We aimed to determine the power and repeatability of CSEI in detection of lipid deregulation in BRCA1/2. Approach: Lipid composition maps were acquired from 20 BRCA1/2 and 20 patients, to derive monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids in the peri-tumoural region in patients and the whole breast in all subjects. Results: Lipid composition in BRCA1/2 showed similarity to positive control. CSEI has excellent repeatability in lipid composition mapping of the breast. Impact: Deregulation of lipid composition in the breast of BRCA1/2 genetic mutation carriers resembles the diseased group, serving as potential precursor of breast cancer. CSEI yields highly repeatable quantitative maps of lipid composition critical for effective disease monitoring.