Multi-Center Optimization of Breast DWI: Comparative Analysis of Fat Suppression Methods (STIR vs. SPAIR) and B-values (800 vs.1500 s/mm2)

Motivation: As DWI is being incorporated into BI-RADS, it will become more necessary to examine the impact of DWI conditions on imaging and diagnosis. Goal(s): To evaluate the effects of fat suppression techniques (STIR vs. SPAIR) and choice of b-values (800 and 1500s/mm²) on breast DWI. Approach: At four institutions, DW images with the two different fat suppression methods (STIR, SPAIR) were acquired at b-values of 800 and 1500s/mm2 from 291 women suspected of breast lesions and evaluated by six evaluators. Results: Analysis of the four imaging combinations (SPAIR/STIR × b=800/1500s/mm²) showed no statistically significant differences, but SPAIR may better visualize small lesions. Impact: STIR and SPAIR show comparable performance in breast DWI, but SPAIR may better visualize small lesions.