Combining DCE-MRI and 1H-MRS spectroscopy by distribution free approach results in a high performance marker: Initial study in breast patients

Magnetic Resonance Imaging has gained popularity in breast cancer diagnosis since the introduction of contrast media, and recent developments in MRI have demonstrated a new potential use in diagnosis. Indeed, the application of in vivo spectroscopy to mammary tissue has revealed that the spectral appearance of choline could be a marker of malignancy, but early diagnosis and unambiguous breast cancer characterization could benefit by a standardized protocol for the simultaneous use of Dynamic Contrast Enhancement MRI and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and combined interpretation of associated markers. A total of 29 female patients took part in the study. The combined protocol was performed on a General Electric Signa HDtx 1.5 Tesla, and the DCE data analysis was performed through an evaluation of the ROI signal intensity over time. The MRS data analysis evaluated choline concentration and the signal to noise ratio of the choline peak. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were assessed by the Receiver Operating Characteristic methodology for Dynamic Contrast Enhancement, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and their linear combination. We performed a linear combination of Dynamic Contrast Enhancement MRI and 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy by distribution free approach to obtain a high level diagnostic index. Combining the results of the two diagnostic tests has resulted in a new, very effective, diagnostic index able to discriminate between patients with and without malignant disease.