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Improving Concordance of MRI and PET/CT Interpretations With Retrospectively Coregistered MRI and PET/CT Data Sets
Yingbing Wang1, Ruth Lim1, Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja1
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Abstract:
This study evaluates if retrospective software-fused magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography (MRI/PET) images can improve concordance of MRI and PET/computed tomography (CT) findings in the pelvis and improve overall lesion detection and characterization, as compared with independent side-by-side interpretation of MRI and PET data sets. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. Our institution's electronic medical record system was examined for pelvic MRI scans and whole-body (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT scans performed within a 2-month interval between January 2007 and June 2011. PET and MRI data sets for which there were discordant findings on original clinical reports were fused using software (Siemens TrueD, Erlangen, Germany). The fused MRI/PET data sets were reviewed by 2 radiologists for any evidence of metastatic disease in the pelvis. Interpretations were compared with original PET/CT and MRI reports (interpreted side by side), with pathology and imaging follow-up as the reference standard. Overall, 250 pairs of PET/CT and MRI scans were identified in 228 patients. A total of 57 discordant lesions were identified in 31 pairs of scans (12%) in 31 patients (14%). Software fusion resolved the discordance at 3 sites (5%) among 3 patients (10%), including 2 bone sites and a single nodal site. Software-fused MRI/PET is easy to perform and can increase the concordance rate of PET and MRI findings compared with side-by-side interpretation, thereby improving confidence in lesion characterization.
Insights
Software-fused magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography (MRI/PET) improves concordance between MRI and PET/CT scans in the pelvis. This fusion technique enhances lesion detection and characterization compared to side-by-side interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Pelvic MRI and PET/CT scans are crucial for detecting metastatic disease.
- Discordance between MRI and PET/CT findings can complicate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Software-based image fusion offers a potential solution to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if retrospective software-fused MRI/PET images enhance concordance of MRI and PET/CT findings in the pelvis.
- To assess if image fusion improves overall lesion detection and characterization compared to independent interpretations.
- To determine the effectiveness of software fusion in resolving discordant findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pelvic MRI and whole-body (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT scans performed within a 2-month interval.
- Software fusion (Siemens TrueD) of discordant MRI and PET datasets.
- Review of fused MRI/PET datasets by two radiologists, comparing interpretations with original reports, pathology, and follow-up imaging.
Main Results:
- 250 pairs of scans from 228 patients were analyzed.
- 57 discordant lesions were identified in 31 pairs of scans (12%) across 31 patients (14%).
- Software fusion resolved discordance in 3 cases (10%), including bone and nodal sites.
Conclusions:
- Software-fused MRI/PET is easily performed and increases concordance between MRI and PET findings.
- Image fusion enhances confidence in lesion characterization compared to side-by-side interpretation.
- This technique can improve diagnostic accuracy for pelvic metastatic disease.
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