Diagnostic value of MRI features and semiquantitative kinetic analysis in triple negative breast cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) features and corresponding semiquantitative parameters in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

MethodsA total of 30 patients with surgical-pathologically confirmed TNBC and 60 patients with surgical-pathologically confirmed non-TNBC (nTNBC) were analyzed retrospectively.The MRI features (maximum diameter of lesion, ADC value, mass shape, margins, tumor number, intratumoral signal intensity in T2WI, peritumoral edema) and the semiquantitative parameters (Tpeak, SER, Epeak) were compared between the two groups.

ResultsCompared with the nTNBC group, the TNBC group showed high intratumoral T2WI signal, peritumoral edema, and enhanced early ring enhancement (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01), while there were no significant differences in the maximum diameter, ADC value, mass shape, tumor margin and tumor number between the two groups (P>0.05).Compared with the nTNBC group, the TNBC group showed lower Tpeak (P < 0.01), higher SER values and Epeak values (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

ConclusionsDCE-MRI manifestation of TNBC has some characteristics, including early rim enhancement, peritumoral edema, high signal intensity on T2WI, fast Tpeak, high SER and Epeak, which can be served as important features in diagnosis.