ABSTRACT

We aimed to determine the value of in vivo single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in characterizing breast lesions.

Breast MRS was performed in 77 patients. Choline resonance peak at 3.2 parts per million (ppm) was defined positive when it was at least two times higher than baseline. MRS findings were compared with the final diagnosis of cases for two different values (3.23 and 3.28 ppm).

Thirty-one malignant and 13 benign lesions had choline peaks. Sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 64%. Positive likelihood ratio (LHR) was 2.32, negative LHR was 0.25. Twenty-two malignant and 5 benign lesions had a peak at 3.23 ppm. Nine malignant and 8 benign lesions had a peak at 3.28 ppm. When 3.23 ppm was accepted as positive; sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LHRs were 79%, 82%, 4.4, and 0.26, respectively.

MRS provides additional parameters on evaluation of breast lesions. However, MRS of breast has some false negative results, thus it is still insufficient in clinical diagnosis.