Correlations Between DCE MRI and Histopathological Parameters in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) can characterize perfusion and vascularization of tissues. DCE MRI parameters can differentiate between malignant and benign lesions and predict tumor grading. The purpose of this study was to correlate DCE MRI findings and various histopathological parameters in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Sixteen patients with histologically proven HNSCC (11 cases primary tumors and in 5 patients with local tumor recurrence) were included in the study. DCE imaging was performed in all cases and the following parameters were estimated: K^trans, V_e, K_ep, and iAUC. The tumor proliferation index was estimated on Ki 67 antigen stained specimens. Microvessel density parameters (stained vessel area, total vessel area, number of vessels, and mean vessel diameter) were estimated on CD31 antigen stained specimens. Spearman's non-parametric rank sum correlation coefficients were calculated between DCE and different histopathological parameters.

The mean values of DCE perfusion parameters were as follows: K^trans 0.189 ± 0.056 min^-1, K_ep 0.390 ± 0.160 min^-1, V_e 0.548 ± 0.119%, and iAUC 22.40 ± 12.57. Significant correlations were observed between K_ep and stained vessel areas (r = 0.51, P = .041) and total vessel areas (r = 0.5118, P = .043); between V_e and mean vessel diameter (r = -0.59, P = .017). Cell count had a tendency to correlate with V_e (r = -0.48, P = .058). In an analysis of the primary HNSCC only, a significant inverse correlation between K^trans and KI 67 was identified (r = -0.62, P = .041). Our analysis showed significant correlations between DCE parameters and histopathological findings in HNSCC.