Motivation: There are no reports comparing 3D T2WI optimized through phantom studies with 2D T2WI for breast MRI. Goal(s): To optimize 3D T2WI in a phantom study and compare the image quality of the optimized 3D T2WI with 2D T2WI in clinical breast MRI. Approach: A Phantom was scanned for the optimization of 3D T2WI as for contrast ratio and resolution. This IRB-approved retrospective study demonstrated the quantitative and qualitative analysis between optimized 3D T2WI and 2D T2WI. Results: The optimized 3D T2WI with variable refocusing flip angle demonstrated excellent conspicuity with higher resolution compared to 2D T2WI, while maintaining the same scanning time. Impact: Our findings strongly support the feasibility of high-resolution 3D T2WI for implementation in clinical settings, offering valuable information to contrast-enhanced MRI for breast cancer characterization. This technique would show promise for improving lesion differentiation, prognosis prediction, and treatment efficacy assessment.
Ichikawa et al. (Tue,) studied this question.