Quantifying Ultrafast MR Contrast as a Function of Lesion Size: Silico Simulation, 3D Printed Phantom, and Clinical MR Images

Motivation: Ultrafast breast MRI may improve breast MRI specificity, yet small lesion detection is often limited by spatial resolution. Goal(s): Quantify how partial volume effects impact lesion contrast at various resolutions to improve lesion characterization by balancing spatial and temporal resolution. Approach: We assessed contrast loss using simulated cone phantoms, 3D-printed models, and clinical ultrafast imaging data to quantify lesion contrast at different spatial resolutions. Results: Insufficient spatial resolution caused substantial contrast loss in small lesions. Isotropic pixels best preserved contrast for given scan times, emphasizing the importance of isotropic voxels in optimizing ultrafast MRI protocols. Impact: This study aims to enhance ultrafast breast MRI by demonstrating the diagnostic value of employing isotropic spatial resolution to minimize contrast loss from partial volume effects, potentially allowing better diagnosis of small and early-enhancing lesions, ultimately reducing unnecessary biopsies.