Optimizing b-value Sampling Strategies with Integrative DWI: A Comparison Study on DISMANTLE Parameters in Breast

Motivation: This study is driven by the pressing need for the standardization of breast diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques. Goal(s): The objective is to explore the influence of b-value selection on the parameters estimated by using an integrated DWI approach (DISMANTLE) that aims to simultaneously assess tissue cellularity, vascularity, and heterogeneity. Approach: We conducted a systematic analysis by evaluating DISMANTLE parameters in healthy breast tissue using diverse b-value sampling strategies. Results: Our findings identified an ideal b-value distribution for accurate implementation of DISMANTLE in breast. This dataset included 12 b-values, reducing scan time by 34% compared to the comprehensive DWI protocol featuring broad b-value range. Impact: This study emphasizes the role of b-value sampling in advanced breast DWI. Our systematic evaluation contributes to the potential success of advanced DWI techniques in breast imaging and the current discussion of the need for standardization in advanced DWI.