Comparison of 3.0-and 1.5-tesla diffusion-weighted imaging in the visibility of breast cancer

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 3.0 T and 1.5 T by evaluating the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and visibility of breast cancer in the same patients. Materials and methods A total of 13 patients (16 lesions) with breast cancer underwent DWI at 3.0 T and 1.5 T. Tumors were classified into two groups based on the lesion size. The ADC values were measured, and visibility of the tumors was scored blindly. Results No significant difference was found for ADC values between 3.0 T and 1.5 T in either group ( P > 0.05). All of the large lesions were visible clearly at both magnetic field strengths, and image scores were not different ( P > 0.05). In contrast, small lesions were more clearly visible and had better image scores at 3.0 T than at 1.5 T ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Small cancers were more clearly visible on DWI at 3.0 T than 1.5 T.