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DWI and IVIM Imaging in a Murine Model of Rhabdomyosarcoma: Correlations with Quantitative Histopathologic Features
Shaobo Fang1, Yanyu Yang1, Bo Chen1
1Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Background:
High cellularity and abnormal interstitial structures are some of the unfavorable factors that affect the treatment outcomes and survival of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) patients.
Purpose:
To explore the correlation between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) with quantitative histopathologic features in a murine model of RMS.
Study Type:
Prospective.
Animal Model:
Murine model of RMS (31 female BALB/c nude mice).
Field Strength/Sequence:
3.0 T; fast spin-echo (FSE) T1-weighted imaging, fast relaxation fast spin-echo (FRFSE) T2-weighted imaging, DWI PROPELLER FSE imaging sequence, and IVIM echo planar imaging sequence; 10 different b-values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 s/mm2 ).
Assessment:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed after 30-45 days of implantation. The following MRI parameters were calculated: apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f). Histopathologic features, which contained nuclear, cytoplasmic, and stromal fractions, and the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio within the tumor were measured using image-based segmentation.
Statistical Tests:
Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The ADC value showed moderate negative correlation with nuclear fraction (r = -0.540), and moderate positive correlation with stroma fraction (r = 0.474). The D value showed moderate negative correlation with nuclear fraction (r = -0.491), and moderate positive correlation with stroma fraction (r = 0.421). The f value showed a moderate negative correlation with stroma fraction (r = -0.423). The D value showed the best diagnostic ability. The optimal cut-off D value of 0.460 was associated with 77.8% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity (area under the curve, 0.747).
Data Conclusion:
The ADC, D, and f values obtained from DWI and IVIM images showed moderate correlation with the quantitative histopathologic features in a murine model of RMS.
Level Of Evidence:
1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters correlate with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) histopathology. The pure diffusion coefficient (D) showed the best diagnostic ability for predicting tumor features.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- High cellularity and abnormal interstitial structures in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) negatively impact patient outcomes.
- Quantitative histopathologic features are crucial for understanding RMS tumor biology and prognosis.
- Non-invasive imaging techniques are needed to assess these histopathologic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and quantitative histopathologic features in a murine RMS model.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of DWI and IVIM parameters in characterizing RMS histopathology.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted using a murine model of RMS (31 female BALB/c nude mice).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using fast spin-echo (FSE) T1-weighted, FRFSE T2-weighted, DWI PROPELLER FSE, and IVIM echo planar imaging sequences with 10 b-values.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Histopathologic features (nuclear, cytoplasmic, stromal fractions, and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio) were measured using image-based segmentation.
Main Results:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) showed moderate negative correlation with nuclear fraction (r=-0.540) and moderate positive correlation with stroma fraction (r=0.474).
- Pure diffusion coefficient (D) demonstrated moderate negative correlation with nuclear fraction (r=-0.491) and moderate positive correlation with stroma fraction (r=0.421).
- Perfusion fraction (f) exhibited moderate negative correlation with stroma fraction (r=-0.423). The D value showed the best diagnostic ability, with an optimal cut-off of 0.460 (AUC=0.747).
Conclusions:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) derived parameters (ADC, D, f) correlate with quantitative histopathologic features in a murine RMS model.
- The pure diffusion coefficient (D) is a promising imaging biomarker for assessing RMS histopathologic characteristics.
- These findings suggest potential for non-invasive assessment of RMS tumor microenvironment using advanced MRI techniques.
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