Abbreviated and Ultrafast MRI

Abstract

Breast MRI is the most sensitive test for breast cancer detection, outperforming conventional imaging including mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, and ultrasound. However, long scan times and relatively high costs limit its widespread use. Thus, conventional dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI is currently only implemented in the screening of women at increased risk of breast cancer. To overcome these limitations, abbreviated DCE-MRI protocols have been introduced that substantially shorten image acquisition and interpretation time while maintaining a high diagnostic accuracy. Although further prospective studies and standardized imaging protocols are necessary, initial results with abbreviated protocols are promising to offer screening breast MRI to a broader population. This chapter aims to give an overview of abbreviated and ultrafast breast MRI protocols and their utility in breast cancer screening and detection.