Jin Chung MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Eun Ju Son MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ji Hyun Youk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jeong-Ah Kim MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the potential of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in the prediction of axillary lymph node (ALN) metastases in patients with invasive breast cancer.

Hundred-nine, consecutive women (mean age, 49.3 years) with 111 enhancing ALNs (mean size, 13.9 mm) who had performed preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging after diagnose of invasive breast cancers were enrolled in this study. In between the benign and metastatic ALNs, we compare the size, the mean, maximum and minimum ADC values of ALNs. The cut off ADC value which to differentiate between benign and metastatic ALNs was calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Nodal metastases were documented in 68 (61%) of the 111 lesions. The size of metastatic lymph nodes was larger than that of benign lymph nodes (P = .002). Mean ADC (0.69 x 10-3 mm2/sec) of metastases was significantly lower than that of benign lymph nodes (1.04 x 10-3 mm2/sec) (P < .001). The ADC cutoff which to discriminate between metastases and benign lymph nodes was 0.90 x 10-3 mm2/sec, which yield a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 79%. Furthermore, the maximum ADC of metastases was also significantly lower than that of benign lymph nodes (P = .030).

DWI of ALNs revealed diagnostic value for differentiation of benign versus metastatic ALNs in breast cancer patients.

Without contrast enhancement, DWI of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer can provide reliable information about the presence or absence of metastasis.

Chung, J, Son, E, Youk, J, Kim, J, Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging: Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values for Discriminating Benign and Metastatic Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11034474.html