Changes in MR of malignant melanomas induced by glucose and fructose. A clinical and experimental investigation

MR imaging has been performed on malignant melanomas in vitro and in vivo. Changes of the water content in an enucleated malignant melanoma in vitro were followed by significant changes of the T1 and T2 values. In mice with implanted subcutaneous melanoma similar changes could be obtained after injection of glucose and fructose intraperitoneally. Malignant melanoma of the eye could be influenced in the same way in 10 consecutive patients after oral intake of glucose and fructose. The present study shows that the MR images may be significantly changed after a few hours by altered metabolism induced by glucose and fructose. It is anticipated that this is due to changes within the tumor leading to different water distribution. The finding may be of importance as a further help for diagnosing malignant melanoma of the eye.