Magnetization transfer imaging of normal and abnormal testis: preliminary results
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Updated: Apr 10, 2026
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: December 18, 2016
Athina C Tsili1, Alexandra Ntorkou2, Dimitrios Baltogiannis3
1Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece. a_tsili@yahoo.gr.
Objectives:
The aim was to determine the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) of normal testes, possible variations with age and to assess the feasibility of MTR in characterizing various testicular lesions.
Methods:
Eighty-six men were included. A three-dimensional gradient-echo MT sequence was performed, with/without an on-resonance binomial prepulse. MTR was calculated as: (SIo-SIm)/(SIo) × 100 %, where SIm and SIo refers to signal intensities with and without the saturation pulse, respectively. Subjects were classified as: group 1, 20-39 years; group 2, 40-65 years; and group 3, older than 65 years of age. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the least significant difference test was used to assess variations of MTR with age. Comparison between the MTR of normal testis, malignant and benign testicular lesions was performed using independent-samples t testing.
Results:
ANOVA revealed differences of MTR between age groups (F = 7.51, P = 0.001). Significant differences between groups 1, 2 (P = 0.011) and 1, 3 (P < 0.001) were found, but not between 2, 3 (P = 0.082). The MTR (in percent) of testicular carcinomas was 55.0 ± 3.2, significantly higher than that of benign lesions (50.3 ± 4.0, P = 0.02) and of normal testes (47.4 ± 2.2, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
MTR of normal testes decreases with age. MTR might be helpful in the diagnostic work-up of testicular lesions.
Key Points:
MTR of normal testes shows age-related changes. Testicular carcinomas have high MTR values. MTR may be useful in the diagnostic work-up of testicular lesions.
Insights
Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in normal testes decreases with age. This imaging technique shows promise for differentiating testicular lesions, with carcinomas exhibiting higher MTR values than benign conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) is an advanced MRI technique sensitive to macromolecular protons.
- Testicular lesions require accurate characterization for appropriate clinical management.
- Age-related changes in normal testicular tissue composition may influence imaging biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the MTR of normal testes and its age-related variations.
- To assess the feasibility of using MTR to characterize testicular lesions.
- To differentiate between normal testes, benign testicular lesions, and malignant testicular tumors using MTR.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-six men underwent a 3D gradient-echo MT sequence with and without an on-resonance binomial prepulse.
- MTR was calculated using the formula: (SIo-SIm)/(SIo) × 100%.
- Subjects were grouped by age (20-39, 40-65, >65 years), and statistical analyses (ANOVA, t-tests) were performed.
Main Results:
- MTR showed significant differences between age groups (P=0.001), particularly between younger and older groups.
- Testicular carcinomas had a significantly higher MTR (55.0 ± 3.2%) compared to benign lesions (50.3 ± 4.0%, P=0.02) and normal testes (47.4 ± 2.2%, P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Normal testicular MTR decreases with advancing age.
- MTR is a potentially valuable tool for the diagnostic work-up of testicular lesions.
- Elevated MTR values may indicate the presence of testicular carcinoma.
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