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Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a non-invasive method to evaluate significant differences
Ansgar Rudisch1, Christian Kremser, Werner Judmaier
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria, Europe a.rudisch@uibk.ac.at
European Journal of Radiology
|March 3, 2005
Summary
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (dcMRI) reliably differentiates malignant from non-malignant tissue by assessing microcirculation differences. This non-invasive technique shows promise for cancer assessment, especially when biopsies are not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Differentiating malignant from non-malignant tissue is a persistent challenge in diagnostic radiology.
- Microcirculation patterns in malignant tissue differ from those in normal, non-malignant tissue.
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dcMRI) offers a potential method for assessing these microcirculatory differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of dcMRI in distinguishing between malignant and non-malignant tissues.
- To assess microcirculation parameters using dcMRI in rectal carcinoma and gluteus maximus muscles.
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of dcMRI for cancer assessment.
Main Methods:
- DcMRI data were acquired from 41 patients with rectum carcinoma and gluteus maximus muscles.
- Fast T1-mapping sequences on a 1.5-T scanner were used to obtain dynamic T1-maps.
- Perfusion Index (PI) values were calculated pixel-by-pixel, and relative frequency histograms analyzed microcirculation heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in mean PI-values was observed between malignant (8.95 ml/min/100 g) and normal tissue (3.56 ml/min/100 g) (P < 0.001).
- Relative frequency distributions of PI-values showed significant differences between rectal carcinoma and muscle tissue histograms.
- Spatial heterogeneities in microcirculation were effectively investigated using PI-value histograms.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive dcMRI can reliably assess microcirculation differences between malignant and non-malignant tissues.
- DcMRI demonstrates significant potential as an aid in cancer assessment.
- This technique is particularly valuable for patients where biopsy is contraindicated.
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