Multimodal MRI Enhancement Combined with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for the Differential Diagnosis of Non-Lactating Mastitis and Breast Cancer

Objective: To explore the value of multimodal MRI enhancement scanning and diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) and breast cancer. Methods: From September 2022 to September 2024, 56 patients with breast diseases were selected as samples and grouped according to disease type. Twenty-eight patients with breast cancer were included in Group A, and 28 patients with NPM were included in Group B. All patients underwent multimodal MRI enhancement scanning and diffusion-weighted imaging. The MRI results, time-signal intensity curves, ADC values, lesion intensity, and imaging signs were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in enhancement characteristics, lymph node enlargement, and margins between Group A and Group B (P > 0.05). The proportion of outflow curves in Group A was higher than that in Group B (P < 0.05). The ADC value in Group A was lower than that in Group B, and the lesion intensity was higher than that in Group B (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in imaging signs, such as abscess or sinus, ascending time-signal curve, and mammary duct dilation between Group A and Group B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Multimodal MRI enhancement scanning and diffusion-weighted imaging techniques can be used to diagnose breast diseases. Comprehensive analysis of time-signal intensity curves, lesion intensity, imaging signs, and ADC values can differentiate between NPM and breast cancer.