Simulation of time–intensity curve based on k-space filling in breast dynamic contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging

This study elucidated the effects of a three-dimensional k-space trajectory incorporating the partial Fourier (PF) technique on a time–intensity curve (TIC) in a dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of a typical malignant breast tumor using a digital phantom. Images were obtained from the Cancer Imaging Archive Open Data for Breast Cancer, and 1-min scans with high temporal resolution were analyzed. The order of the k-space trajectory was set as Linear (sequential), Low–High (centric), PF (62.5%; Z-, Y-, and both directions), and Low–High Radial. k0 (center of the k-space) timing and TIC shape were affected by the chosen k-space trajectory and implementation of the PF technique. A small TIC gradient was obtained using a Low–High Radial order. If the k-space filling method (particularly the radial method) produces a gentle TIC gradient, misinterpretation could arise during the assessment of tumor malignancy status.