Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate in vivo breast tissue chemistry at 3.0 Tesla

The research utilised in vivo 2D magnetic resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with standard breast MRI to investigate MR-visible characteristics associated with breast density and menopausal status. Statistically significant differences were recorded in various neutral lipids and metabolites, and with further development, may enable non-contrast MRI to evaluate breast cancer risk, avoiding the use of gadolinium-based contrast media. The tentative assignment of methylmalonic acid (MMA), which has been associated with cancer proliferation, was also made. Another spectral region was identified relating to polyunsaturated fatty acid content in breast tissue. PUFAs have been shown to have a protective effect against breast cancer