Quantitative Characterization of Breast Lesion Using Compartmentalized Model: Intravoxel Incoherent Motion and Restriction Spectrum Imaging

Motivation: Conventional diffusion-weighted MRI with ADC in clinical breast imaging protocol may not accurately reflect the authentic diffusion. Goal(s): To quantitatively comparison the diagnostic utility of the compartmentalized diffusion-weighted model-intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions. Approach: The Mann-Whitney U-test and ROC analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each parameter and model in differentiating breast lesions. Results: Quantitative parameters derived from three-compartment RSI model have great promise as imaging indicators in differentiating breast lesions compared to bi-exponential IVIM model. Additionally, the hybrid model integrating IVIM and RSI achieves the superior diagnostic performance. Impact: The integration of IVIM and RSI would likely lead to a new perspective for the characterization of breast lesions, thus have potential clinical utility in the further application of non-contrast-enhanced breast MR screening.