Objective: To evaluate effects of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) composition and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in normal breast tissue.
Methods: DTI analysis was performed on 35 breasts with regions of interest drawn to include only normal tissue. Breasts were dichotomized by FGT composition and by BPE; DTI parameters were compared.
Results: The λ1 principal diffusion coefficient was lower in breasts with moderate/marked BPE versus those with minimal/mild BPE (P=.039). All other parameters were unaffected.
Conclusion: λ1 is sensitive to differences in BPE within normal breast tissue that should be taken into account in DTI evaluation.
Keywords: Breast; DTI; Diffusion; MRI; Tensor.
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