Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MR imaging parameters predict pathological classification in thymic...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are challenging to subtype and stage preoperatively.
• Accurate preoperative staging is crucial for treatment planning and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in predicting TET subtypes and Masaoka stages.
• To differentiate between low-risk thymomas (LRT), high-risk thymomas (HRT), and thymic carcinomas (TC).

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven patients with pathologically confirmed TETs underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with 9 b values.
• IVIM parameters (D, D*, f) and multi b-value apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmb) were analyzed.
• Parameter values were compared between different TET subtypes and Masaoka stages.

Main Results:

• ADCmb, D, and D* were significantly higher in LRT compared to HRT or TC.
• No significant difference in these parameters was found between HRT and TC.
• Early-stage TETs (I-II) showed higher ADCmb, D, and D* values than advanced-stage TETs (III-IV).
• Perfusion fraction (f) did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusions:

• IVIM DWI parameters show promise for non-invasively predicting TET subtypes and Masaoka stage.
• These findings could aid in preoperative risk stratification and treatment selection for TET patients.