Ultra-low field (6.5 mT) Magnetic Resonance Breast Imaging : A Pilot Study

Motivation: Ultra-low field (ULF) MRI is a low-cost, accessible, and radiation-free imaging modality that shows promise for breast cancer screening. Goal(s): To assess the feasibility of ULF MRI to differentiate breast tissue and investigate its value for breast imaging. Approach: We scanned the left breasts of 11 participants at 6.5 mT with a custom-built ULF MRI scanner, without contrast agents, using 3D-bSSFP. Three breast radiologists evaluated image quality and tissue visibility on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: In the imaging results, radiologists can determine breast tissue pattern based on the distribution of fibroglandular tissue, distinguish essential breast tissues, and assess image quality. Impact: This preliminary work demonstrates that ULF magnetic breast imaging is feasible and may be a viable option for breast cancer diagnosis and screening.