Diagnostic value of 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in lymph node metastases of head and neck tumors: a correlation study with histology.

ABSTRACT: Background:Accurate staging of cervical lymph nodes (LN) is pivotal for further clinical management of patients with head and neck cancer. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) such as three-dimensional (3D) dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) acquisition might improve the diagnosis of cervical LN metastases. Purpose:To evaluate the additional diagnostic value of high-resolution 3D T1-weighted DCE in detecting LN metastasis compared to standard morphological imaging criteria in patients with head and neck tumors as correlated to histopathology. Material and Methods:Standard MRI with 3D DCE acquisition at voxel sizes of 1?×?1×1?mm was performed in 15 patients before surgery; 92 LN of the head and neck were histopathologically analyzed. A logistic regression analysis of semi-quantitative DCE parameters, time-intensity curve (TIC) shapes, and morphological criteria was performed to differentiate benign from malignant LN. Results:Standard MRI was sufficient for diagnosis of malignancy in LN with a short-axis diameter???15?mm (n?=?17). For LN metastases with a short-axis diameter <15?mm (n?=?12), however, the combination of 3D DCE MRI parameters, TIC shapes, and LN diameter significantly increased the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing metastases (DCE?+?TIC shape?+?LN diameter: 92% and 88% vs. DCE only: 83% and 68% (P?

SUBMITTER: Treutlein C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7453466 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature