Diffusion-weighted breast magnetic resonance imaging with distortion correction using non-rigid image registration: a clinical study

Our distortion correction method for diffusion-weighted breast images was applied to clinical studies to evaluate its practicality. We used b values of 0 and 1500 s/mm2 and dynamic images captured after injecting the contrast medium for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method is based on non-rigid image registration, and dispenses with multiple scans, reducing examination time and patient burden. Image correction included the following: matrix size matching; segmentation; edge detection; non-rigid image registration between T2-weighted images with fat suppression and b0 images; and image warping of b1500 images. Significant differences were noted for all combinations of cross-correlation coefficients of whole-breast images between with and without correction, and no significant differences for apparent diffusion coefficients. The percentage differences were not significant for cross-correlation coefficients, with and without correction, calculated for various sizes, positions, and types of lesions of high-intensity regions. In conclusion, our distortion correction method is effective for clinical breast MRI.