Effect of b value and pre-admission of contrast on diagnostic accuracy of 1.5-T breast DWI: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the effect of the choice of b values and prior use of contrast medium on apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of breast lesions derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and on the discrimination between benign and malignant lesions.

A literature search of relevant DWI studies was performed. The accuracy of DWI to characterize lesions by using b value a parts per thousand currency sign600 s/mm(2) and b value > 600 s/mm(2) was presented as pooled sensitivity and specificity, and the ADC was calculated for both groups. Lesions were pooled as pre- or post-contrast DWI.

Of 198 articles, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Median ADCs were significantly higher (13.2-35.1 %, p <0.001) for the group of b values a parts per thousand currency sign600 s/mm(2) compared to > 600 s/mm(2). The sensitivity in both groups was similar (91 % and 89 %, p = 0.495) as well as the specificity (75 % and 84 %, p = 0.237). Contrast medium had no significant effects on the ADCs (p a parts per thousand yenaEuro parts per thousand 0.08). The differentiation between benign and malignant lesions was optimal (58.4 %) for the combination of b = 0 and 1,000 s/mm(2).

The wide variety of b value combinations applied in different studies significantly affects the ADC of breast lesions and confounds quantitative DWI. If only a couple of b values are used, those of b = 0 and 1,000 s/mm(2) are recommended for the best improvement of differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.

aEuro cent The choice of b values significantly affects the ADC of breast lesions.

aEuro cent Sensitivity and specificity are not affected by the choice of b values.

aEuro cent b values 0 and 1,000 s/mm (2) are recommended for optimal differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

aEuro cent Contrast medium prior to DWI does not significantly affect the ADC.