Magnetization transfer ratios of musculoskeletal tumors

The magnetization transfer method is a relatively new technique that creates contrast by the exchange of magnetization protons associated with macromolecules and bulk water protons through cross-relaxation or chemical exchange. We measured the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and compared it with the DNA index to determine whether MTR can serve as an indicator of malignancy in musculoskeletal tumors. The DNA index correlated with MTR in such musculoskeletal tumors ( P < 0.05). This suggests that MTR can be used as a parameter to quantitatively indicate malignancy.