Deep-learning approach with convolutional neural network for classification of maximum intensity projections of dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging

Angiogenesis is a key step in the initiation and progression of an invasive breast cancer. High microvessel density by morphological characterization predicts metastasis and poor survival in women with invasive breast cancers. However, morphologic characterization is subject to variability and only can evaluate a limited portion of an invasive breast cancer. Consequently, breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is currently being evaluated to assess vascularity. Recently, through the new field of radiomics, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI is being used to evaluate vascular density, vascular morphology, and detection of aggressive breast cancer biology. While DCE-MRI is a highly sensitive tool, there are specific features that limit computational evaluation of blood vessels. These include (1) DCE-MRI evaluates gadolinium contrast and does not directly evaluate biology, (2) the resolution of DCE-MRI is insufficient for imaging small blood vessels, and (3) DCE-MRI images are very difficult to co-register. Here we review computational approaches for detection and analysis of blood vessels in DCE-MRI images and present some of the strategies we have developed for co-registry of DCE-MRI images and early detection of vascularization.

Download Full-text

A Preliminary Report on the Clinical Experience with AlloDerm in Breast Reconstruction and its Radiologic Appearance

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481007601023 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 76 (10) ◽

pp. 1123-1126 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hop S. Tran Cao ◽

Christopher Tokin ◽

Jason Konop ◽

Haydee Ojeda-Fournier ◽

James Chao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Breast Reconstruction ◽

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Radiographic Evaluation ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Dynamic Contrast Enhanced ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Breast Magnetic Resonance ◽

Tissue Matrix

Human acellular tissue matrix (AlloDerm) use in breast reconstruction has become popular. Traditionally used for prosthesis coverage, it is also used in our practice as a filler for lumpectomy defects and a contouring device. However, no report presently exists that describes its appearance on oncologic surveillance studies. We performed a retrospective review of all charts of patients having undergone cancer-related breast reconstruction using AlloDerm as a filler at a single institution between 2005 and 2009. Postoperative mammograms and dynamic contrast enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed with a dedicated breast imager. Sixteen women underwent surgery involving placement of an AlloDerm roll in the breast. Postoperative films were unavailable for two of them. Of the remaining 14 patients, nine had postoperative mammograms only, three had postoperative dynamic contrast enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging only, and two patients had both. In all cases, evaluation of the postoperative images was not affected by the presence of AlloDerm. In our short-term, retrospective experience, we find that a thorough radiographic evaluation of the breast tissue remains possible when AlloDerm rolls are used in reconstruction.

Download Full-text