磁共振波谱及扩散加权成像在唾液腺肿瘤诊断中的价值

目的 回顾性分析、评价氢质子磁共振波谱(~1H-MRS)及扩散加权成像(DWI)在鉴别唾液腺良性或恶性肿瘤中的价值.资料与方法 应用1.5 TMR成像仪,对39例唾液腺肿瘤患者进行常规MRI、DWI及~1H-MRS检查,(1)DWI采用单次激发自旋回波一回波平面成像(SE-EPI)序列,扩散敏感系数(b值)为0 s/mm~2及1000 s/mm~2,并计算每例患者平均表观扩散系数(ADC)值和高、中、低ADC值所占的比例,(2)~1H-MRS采用单体素点分辨表面线圈(PRESS)序列,TR 1500 ms,TE 136 ms,在谱线中计算胆碱与肌酸的比值(Cho/Cr).最后与肿瘤的组织病理学结果进行对比,进行非参数秩和检验.结果 39例唾液腺肿瘤患者均获得了满意的检查结果,其中良性肿瘤31例(混合瘤21例,腺淋巴瘤10例),恶性肿瘤8例(腺囊腺癌3例、黏液表皮样癌3例、混合腺癌1例、恶性淋巴瘤1例).(1)DWI:ADC图提示良性肿瘤与恶性肿瘤的平均ADC值分别为(1.65±0.41)×10~(-3)mm~2/s和(1.15±0.39)×10~(-3) mm~2/s,其间无明显差异,但良性肿瘤ADC值增高的区域则明显多于恶性肿瘤,尤其是混合瘤.(2)~1H-MRS:在TE为136 ms时共获得满意的波谱曲线35例,计算得出恶性肿瘤、腺淋巴瘤、混合瘤的Cho/Cr分别为1.69±0.51、5.89±1.42、2.81±0.72,恶性肿瘤、腺淋巴瘤、混合瘤之间均存在显著差异.结论 DWI及~1H-MRS可以作为鉴别唾液腺肿瘤的特异性检查手段,但仍需要大量研究样本来进行验证.     

The choline/creatine ratio in five benign neoplasms: comparison with squamous cell carcinoma by use of in vitro MR spectroscopy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr) ratio has been shown to be a reliable proton MR spectroscopy metabolic marker for differentiating squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) from normal muscle in the upper aerodigestive tract. However, it is unclear whether the Cho/Cr ratio can be used to differentiate a malignant tumor from a benign neoplasm in the extracranial head and neck. Our purpose was to determine whether the Cho/Cr ratio can be used to differentiate benign from malignant tumors in this region. METHODS: In vitro one-dimensional proton MR spectroscopy (2,000/136,272 [TR/TE]) was performed at 11 T on tissue specimens obtained from glomus tumors (n = 3), inverting papilloma (n = 1), and schwannoma (n = 1). Cho/Cr area ratios were calculated and compared with similar, previously reported in vitro (11 T) findings and with samples of SCCA and normal muscle. RESULTS: The Cho/Cr ratio was elevated in relation to muscle in all benign tumors at TE = 136 (glomus tumors = 4.52, inverting papilloma = 3.85, schwannoma = 2.2) and at TE = 272 (glomus tumors = 8.01, inverting papilloma = 2.1, schwannoma = 4.28). The average Cho/Cr ratio for benign lesions was 3.92 (TE = 136) and 6.11 (TE = 272). The Cho/Cr ratio was significantly higher in benign tumors than in both SCCA and muscle. The average Cho/Cr ratio for muscle at TEs of 136 and 272 was 1.16 and 1.31, respectively, whereas for SCCA the average Cho/Cr ratio at TEs of 136 and 272 was 1.67 and 2.45, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our small group, the Cho/Cr ratio was significantly higher in benign tumors than in muscle and SCCA of the extracranial head and neck.     

The diagnostic efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient value and Choline/Creatine ratio in differentiation between parotid gland tumors

Objective

To detect the diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and Cho/Cr ratio in distinguishing various pathological subtypes of parotid gland tumors.

3.0T MR动脉自旋标记对腮腺肿瘤的鉴别诊断价值

目的:初步探讨3.0T磁共振动脉自旋标记技术(ASL)对腮腺肿瘤的鉴别诊断价值。方法:前瞻性搜集2017年3月-2020年1月因腮腺肿物于本院就诊及治疗的患者作为研究对象,所有研究对象均行常规MR平扫及ASL扫描,测量ASL序列图像上肿瘤组织的肿瘤血流量(TBF),并将计算出的标准化肿瘤血流量(nTBF)与病理结果进行对比分析。结果:本研究总共纳入45例经术后病理证实的腮腺肿瘤患者。其中良性肿瘤28例,包括腺淋巴瘤14例,多形性腺瘤14例;恶性肿瘤共17例。测量并经计算得出腺淋巴瘤、多形性腺瘤、恶性腮腺肿瘤的nTBF分别为:3.71±1.65、0.89±0.25、1.55±0.60。腺淋巴瘤的nTBF明显高于多形性腺瘤(P<0.01)和恶性肿瘤(P<0.01),但是多形性腺瘤和恶性肿瘤的nTBF差异无统计学意义(P=0.073)。ASL能将腮腺腺淋巴瘤从多形性腺瘤及恶性肿瘤中鉴别出来,但是无法鉴别多形性腺瘤与恶性肿瘤。ASL诊断腮腺腺淋巴瘤的ROC曲线下面积为0.935,nTBF的诊断阈值为2.03,诊断腺淋巴瘤的敏感度和特异度分别为92.9%、93.5%。结论:3.0T MR ASL技术可以无创地、定量地评价腮腺肿瘤的TBF,并对腺淋巴瘤的诊断和鉴别诊断具有较高的价值。     

In vivo proton MR spectroscopy of primary and nodal nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing in vivo proton ((1)H) MR spectroscopy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to document the (1)H spectrum of this cancer. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with NPC lesions >1 cm(3) underwent localized (1)H MR spectroscopy performed at 1.5 T. Water-suppressed spectra from both primary tumors (nine cases) and metastatic nodes (18 cases) were obtained at TE 136 and 272. Spectra were analyzed in the time domain by using a nonlinear least squares fitting algorithm with incorporation of previous knowledge. Choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr) ratios for primary NPC and metastatic nodes were calculated and compared. Spectra from normal neck muscle of five volunteers were acquired as control data. RESULTS: (1)H MR spectroscopy was successfully obtained in seven (78%) of nine primary tumors and 16 (89%) of 18 metastatic nodes. Intense lipid signals in the range of 0.89 to 2.02 ppm were observed in 95% of spectra at TE 136 and 91% of spectra at TE 272. At TE 136, Cho/Cr for metastatic nodes (5.3 +/- 1.6) was significantly higher than the ratio for primary (2.6 +/- 0.5) NPC lesions (P =.02). Cho/Cr ratios for NPC lesions were higher than those for normal neck muscles, for which values ranged from 0 to 0.97 and 0 to 1.1 at TE 136 and 272, respectively. CONCLUSION: (1)H MR spectroscopy is a feasible technique for the evaluation of NPC tumors >1 cm(3). Cho/Cr ratios for the lesions were high compared with those for normal neck muscle.     

Salivary gland tumors: diagnostic value of gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging with histopathologic correlation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of gadolinium-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of salivary gland tumors and correlate the MR imaging and histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three salivary gland tumors in 29 patients were examined preoperatively at gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging. There were 22 benign and 11 malignant tumors. Dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR images were obtained for 5 minutes. Time of peak enhancement (T(peak)) and washout ratio (WR) were determined from time-signal intensity curves (TICs). Microvessel count and cellularity-stromal grade were evaluated histopathologically. The strengths of correlations between T(peak) and microvessel count and between WR and cellularity-stromal grade were statistically analyzed. Statistical analysis was also performed to determine whether any differences among the various histopathologic tumor types existed [corrected]. In a validation study, 13 salivary gland tumors in 13 patients were examined consecutively. RESULTS: At a T(peak) of 120 seconds, malignant tumors could be differentiated from pleomorphic adenomas but not from Warthin tumors. A WR of 30%, however, enabled differentiation between malignant and Warthin tumors. Classification of TICs on the basis of a T(peak) of 120 seconds and a WR of 30% had high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (91%) in the differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. Correlations between T(peak) and microvessel count (P <.0001, rho = -0.800) and between WR and cellularity-stromal grade (P =.0105, rho = 0.572) were significant. The validation study also yielded high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80%) in the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging is useful for differentiating benign from malignant salivary gland tumors.     

Proton spectroscopic metabolite signal relaxation times in preterm infants: a prerequisite for quantitative spectroscopy in infant brain

PURPOSE: To determine relaxation times of metabolite signals in proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectra of immature brain, which allow a correction of relaxation that is necessary for a quantitative evaluation of spectra acquired with long TE. Proton MR spectra acquired with long TE allow a better definition of metabolites as N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and lactate especially in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relaxation times were determined in the basal ganglia of 84 prematurely born infants at a postconceptional age of 37.8 +/- 2.2 (mean +/- SD) weeks. Metabolite resonances were investigated using the double-spin-echo volume selection method (PRESS) at 1.5 T. T1 was determined from intensity ratios of signals obtained with TRs of 1884 and 6000 msec, measured at 3 TEs (25 msec, 136 msec, 272 msec). T2 was determined from signal intensity ratios obtained with TEs of 136 msec and 272 msec, measured at 2 TR. Taking only long TEs reduced baseline distortions by macromolecules and lipids. For myo-inositol (MI), an apparent T2 for short TE was determined from the ratio of signals obtained with TE = 25 msec and 136 msec. Intensities were determined by fitting a Lorentzian to the resonance, and by integration. RESULTS: Relaxation times were as follows: trimethylamine-containing compounds (Cho): T1 = 1217 msec/T2 = 273 msec; total creatine (Cr) at 3.9 ppm: 1010 msec/111 msec; Cr at 3.0 ppm: 1388 msec/224 msec; NAA: 1171 msec/499 msec; Lac: 1820 msec/1022 msec; MI: 1336 msec/173 msec; apparent T2 at short TE: 68 msec. CONCLUSION: T1 and T2 in the basal ganglia of premature infants do not differ much from previously published data from basal ganglia of older children and adults. T2 of Cho was lower than previous values. T2 of Cr at 3.9 ppm and Lac have been measured under different conditions before, and present values differ from these data.     

Musculoskeletal tumors: use of proton MR spectroscopic imaging for characterization

PURPOSE: To determine the value of multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in distinguishing malignant skeletal tumors from benign tumors and normal bone marrow using the metabolite choline (Cho) as a marker for malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathologic specimens obtained from 13 patients who had undergone wide resection for skeletal tumors underwent evaluation by MRSI at 1.5 T. Coronal T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence obtained for localization purposes (TR/TE = 250/1.8 msec, field of view [FOV] = 18 x 18), and single-slice MRSI (TR/TE = 2000/272 msec, FOV = 18 x 18, 10-mm slice-thickness) were performed. Water, lipid, and Cho images were reconstructed from MRSI data. Cho signal was measured in each specimen and expressed relative to background noise level (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) where noise was measured between 7.0 and 9.0 ppm. Cho SNRs were compared between areas containing malignant tumor and nonmalignant tissue (benign lesion or normal bone marrow) as determined by histopathology. RESULTS: Specimens included 13 skeletal sarcomas (seven osteosarcomas, three chondrosarcomas, one malignant fibrous histiocytoma, one fibrosarcoma, and one leiomyosarcoma). All specimens included a sample of normal bone marrow and two specimens also contained benign lesions. All sarcomas demonstrated a signal at 3.2 ppm assigned to Cho-containing metabolites in areas of malignancy. Peak Cho SNR was significantly different for areas containing histologically-proven malignancy compared to nonmalignant tissue (9.8 +/- 5.1 vs. 2.7 +/- 1.4, respectively, P < 0.002). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that MRSI at 1.5 T is a promising noninvasive method of differentiating malignant skeletal tumors from nonmalignant tissue. Using MRSI, Cho can be detected in skeletal tumors and may serve as a marker for malignancy.     

Human cervical lymphadenopathy: evaluation with in vivo 1H-MRS at 1.5 T

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of performing in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) of cervical lymph nodes, and the clinical usefulness of the technique in the characterization of cervical lymphadenopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cervical lymphadenopathy was examined in 20 individuals with malignant disease, i.e. 10 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 6 with undifferentiated carcinoma (UDC) and 4 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Cervical lymphadenopathy was also examined in 4 individuals with benign disease, i.e. 3 with tuberculosis (TB) and 1 with Castleman's disease. A point-resolved spectroscopic sequence with echo times (TE) of 136 and 272 ms and a time-domain spectral fitting procedure were used to estimate peak amplitude of choline (Cho), creatine (Cr) and unsuppressed water. Cho/Cr and Cho/water ratios were measured for each lesion. The mean ratio for each lesion group was obtained and results were compared statistically. RESULTS: At TE of 136 ms, spectra were interpretable in all 24 cases and a Cr peak was identified with post-processing in 15 cases. The Cho/Cr and Cho/water ratios for NHL were 9.1 +/- 5.2 and 1.7 +/- 0.2 x 10(-3), for UDC were 4.4 +/- 0.9 and 1.2 +/- 0.4 x 10(-3), and for SCC were 2.1 +/- 0.6 and 0.5 +/- 0.3 x 10(-3), respectively. Both Cho/Cr and Cho/water ratios for UDC were significantly higher than SCC (p = 0.002 and 0.026, respectively). At TE of 272 ms, spectra were interpretable in 22 of 24 cases and a Cr peak was identified with post-processing in 11 cases. Cho/Cr and Cho/water ratios for NHL were 5.4 and 4.6 +/- 1.4 x 10(-3), for UDC were 4.2 +/- 1.5 and 2.6 +/- 1.0 x 10(-3) and for SCC were 2.5 +/- 1.1 and 1.3 +/- 0.6 x 10(-3), respectively. The Cho/water ratio for UDC was significantly higher than for SCC (p = 0.04). The Cho/Cr ratio for UDC was also higher than for SCC, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Neither Cho nor Cr was detected in the 3 cases of TB. CONCLUSION: In vivo (1)H-MRS is a feasible technique for the evaluation of cervical lymph nodes and it offers potential as a clinical tool in the investigation of cervical lymphadenopathy. However, further studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate the findings of this initial report.     

Proton MR spectroscopy of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: in vitro characteristics.

PURPOSETo determine the ability of in vitro high-field-strength proton MR spectroscopy to differentiate squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract from uninvolved muscle.METHODSSurgical specimens of squamous cell carcinoma arising from the upper aerodigestive tract (n = 18) and from muscle (n = 13) were examined in vitro using high-field (11 T) proton MR spectroscopy. The peak heights of choline and creatine were measured for tumor and muscle at echo times of 136 and 272. The choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratio was compared between tumor and normal tissue for each echo time. Student''s t test was used to determine whether a significant difference existed between proton MR spectroscopic measurements of the Cho/Cr ratio for tumor and muscle.RESULTSThe mean Cho/Cr ratio was consistently higher in tumor than in muscle at all echo times; however, statistically significant differences between tumor and muscle were identified only at longer echo times (136 and 272).CONCLUSIONThe Cho/Cr peak height ratio can be used to differentiate tumor from muscle in vitro (at 11 T).     

软组织肿瘤的MR灌注成像与MR波谱成像的比较研究

目的 通过分析软组织肿瘤同一病例相同感兴趣区的MR灌注加权成像(MR-PWI)及MR氢质子波谱(1H-MRS)的功能影像信息,比较两者用于软组织肿瘤的定性诊断价值.方法 研究同时行MR-PWI、1H-MRS的全身各部位软组织肿瘤共40例.比较MR-PWI及1H-MRS各参数在良、恶性肿瘤中的差异,进而对2种诊断方法进行评价.所获数据采用t检验或配对四格表确切概率法分析.结果 MR-PWI良、恶性软组织肿瘤的血流量(BF)值差异有统计学意义(t=2.531,P<0.05),血容量(BV)及平均通过时间(MTT)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.587和1.732,P值均>0.05);以BF值=4.35 ml·100 mg-1·min-1为阈值,MR-PWI诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为81.8%(18/22),特异度为72.2%(13/18).良、恶性软组织肿瘤的时间信号曲线(TIC)类型比较:Ⅰ a型在良性肿瘤中占3/18,在恶性肿瘤中占17/22;Ⅰ b型在良性肿瘤中占12/18,在恶性肿瘤中占3/22;Ⅰ c型在恶性肿瘤中占2/22.Ⅱ型在良性肿瘤中占3/18.良、恶性软组织肿瘤的胆碱(Cho)、肌酸复合物(Cr)、脂质(Lip)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.332、1.637、1.986,P值均>0.05),而Cho/Cr比值的差异有统计学意义(t=2.927,P<0.05);以Cho/Cr比值=3.22为阈值,1H-MRS诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为86.4%(19/22),特异度为88.9%(16/18).1H-MRS谱线比较:18例良性及17例恶性软组织肿瘤在2.0～2.1ppm(×10-6)处均未出现异常峰,而2例恶性神经鞘瘤和3例恶性纤维组织细胞瘤均在2.0～2.1ppm处出现异常峰.MR-DWI与1H-MRS用于恶性肿瘤诊断准确度的差异无统计学意义(X2=0.125,P>0.05).结论 软组织肿瘤的MR-PWI的BF值、1H-MRS的Cho/Cr比值有利于软组织肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别;软组织肿瘤的TIC形态有助于肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别.MR-PWI和1H-MRS两者用于诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的准确度无明显差异,1H-MRS诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的敏感度和特异度较高.     

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of human breast cancer: a preliminary study

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in patients with breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent breast MRSI and MRI at 1.5 T. Contrast-enhanced MR was used to identify the lesion, after which single-slice MRSI (TR/TE = 2000/272 msec, 10-mm slice thickness) was performed. Water, lipid, and choline (Cho) images were reconstructed from MRSI data. The area of the Cho was measured in the lesion and expressed relative to the background noise level (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)), measured between 7.0 and 9.0 ppm. Cho SNRs were compared between benign and malignant lesions as determined by histopathology. RESULTS: Three cases were considered technical failures on MRSI. Of the remaining 15 cases, on histopathology, eight were classified as malignant carcinoma and seven were benign. The Cho SNR from malignant tissue was significantly elevated compared to benign tissue (6.2 +/- 2.1 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.7, P < 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: MRSI measurements of Cho are feasible in the human breast, and the SNR for Cho was significantly different between benign and malignant lesions. The potential advantages of MRSI over SV spectroscopy include the ability to assess multiple lesions as well as tissue with normal MRI appearance, as well as to perhaps gauge lesion borders and infiltration into surrounding tissue.     

Single-voxel long TE 1H-MR spectroscopy of the normal brainstem and cerebellum

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of single voxel 1H-MRS of the CNS structures contained in the posterior cranial fossa and to determine the distribution of the normal metabolite ratios, concentrations, and T2 relaxation times in the midbrain, pons, medulla, dentate nucleus and cerebellar vermis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 147 single voxel 1H-MR spectra with a point-resolved proton spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) sequence and echo time (TE) of 136 or 272 msec were obtained in the midbrain, pons, medulla, dentate, and vermis of 31 healthy volunteers. In seven additional patients; the concentrations and T2 relaxation times of metabolites were obtained in the same locations (except the medulla) with an external phantom calibration method and a four TE PRESS technique. RESULTS: Ten (27%) of 36 spectra acquired in the medulla were of poor quality. A similar ranking of the N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio and choline(Cho)/Cr ratios in the five locations for the two TEs was observed, with the highest values in the pons (mean NAA/Cr = 4.16 +/- 0.6 and Cho/Cr =2.66 +/- 0.6 at TE 272) and the lowest values in the dentate and vermis (mean NAA/Cr = 1.66 +/- 0.2 and Cho/Cr = 1.20 +/- 0.2 at TE 272). The analysis of variance showed significant regional differences of the NAA and Cr concentrations, which had the highest values in the dentate. Non-significant regional differences were observed for the concentration of Cho and for the T2 of the metabolites. CONCLUSION: With the exception of the medulla, single voxel 1H-MRS enables an in vivo biochemical analysis of the CNS structures contained in the posterior cranial fossa. Regional differences in the metabolite ratios and concentrations must be considered when employing 1H-MRS for evaluation of diseases of the brainstem and cerebellum.     

Combined dynamic contrast enhanced breast MR and proton spectroscopic imaging: a feasibility study

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of combined dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in evaluating breast lesions. METHODS: Nine patients with positive mammograms scheduled for either biopsy or mastectomy were examined on a 1.5-T MR scanner. DCE was performed with administration of gadolinium-DTPA contrast using a two-dimensional spoiled gradient recall echo (SPGR) sequence. Proton spectroscopy (TR/TE = 2000/272 msec) was performed using PRESS single slice (10 mm). Lesion time intensity curves were classified as persistent (type 1), plateau (type 2), or washout (type 3) pattern enhancement. Choline (Cho) signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and enhancement patterns were compared between benign and malignant lesions as determined by histopathology. RESULTS: Five patients had breast carcinoma and four had benign lesions. Type 1 enhancement was found in two benign cases, type 2 enhancement in two of four benign and four of five malignant lesions, and one malignant case exhibited a type 3 pattern. Choline SNR was significantly different (P < 0.003) between benign and malignant lesions (2.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 5.7 +/- 1.4; P < 0.003). Choline SNR was less than 4.0 in all of the benign lesions, including the two lesions with type 2 enhancement. CONCLUSION: Proton MRS appears to be a promising technique for classification of breast lesions when DCE results are equivocal. A combination of DCE and MRS is feasible, and may have improved specificity compared to either modality alone.     

Warthin tumor of the parotid gland: diagnostic value of MR imaging with histopathologic correlation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to describe the MR imaging appearance of Warthin tumors multiple MR imaging techniques and to interpret the difference in appearance from that of malignant parotid tumors. METHODS: T1-weighted, T2-weighted, short inversion time inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted, and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR images of 19 Warthin tumors and 17 malignant parotid tumors were reviewed. MR imaging results were compared with those of pathologic analysis. RESULTS: Epithelial stromata and lymphoid tissue with slitlike small cysts in Warthin tumors showed early enhancement and a high washout rate (> or =30%) on dynamic contrast-enhanced images, and accumulations of complicated cysts showed early enhancement and a low washout ratio (< 30%). The areas containing complicated cysts showed high signal intensity on T1-weighted images, whereas some foci in those areas showed low signal intensity on short tau inversion recovery images. The mean minimum signal intensity ratios (SIRmin) of Warthin tumor on short tau inversion recovery (0.29 +/- 0.22 SD) (P < .01) and T2-weighted images (0.28 +/- 0.09) (P < .05) were significantly lower than those of malignant parotid tumors (0.53 +/- 0.19, 0.48 +/- 0.19). The average washout ratio of Warthin tumors (44.0 +/- 20.4%) was higher than that of malignant parotid tumors (11.9 +/- 11.6%). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient of Warthin tumors (0.96 +/- 0.13 x 10(-3)mm2/s) was significantly lower (P < .01) than that of malignant tumors (1.19 +/- 0.19 x 10(-3)mm2/s). CONCLUSION: Detecting hypointense areas of short tau inversion recovery and T2-weighted images or low apparent diffusion coefficient values on diffusion-weighted images was useful for predicting whether salivary gland tumors were Warthin tumors. The findings of the dynamic contrast-enhanced study also were useful.     

Proton MR spectroscopy of pediatric cerebellar tumors.

PURPOSETo investigate the role of proton MR spectroscopy in pediatric cerebellar tumor diagnosis.METHODSSingle voxel pulse sequences with long echo time (135 or 270 milliseconds, voxel size 8 to 19 cm3), were used to obtain proton spectra of primary pediatric cerebellar tumors. Eleven primitive neuroectodermal tumors (patient age, 2 to 12 years; mean, 7 years), 11 low-grade astrocytomas (age, 2 to 16 years; mean, 9 years), 4 ependymomas (age, 1 to 6 years; mean, 4 years), 1 mixed glioma ependymo-astrocytoma (age, 11 years), 1 anaplastic ependymoma (age, 7 years), 1 ganglioglioma (age, 14 years), and 1 malignant teratoma (age, 6 days) were studied. Control cerebellum spectra were acquired from five patients without abnormality in cerebellum (age, 2 to 15 years; mean, 8 years). The signal intensities from choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine/phosphocreatine (Cr), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), and lactate (Lac) were quantified. The mean and standard deviation of metabolite ratios were calculated.RESULTSThe control spectra ratios (NAA:Cho = 1.49 +/- 0.36, Cr:Cho = 1.13 +/- 0.23) were distinct from the tumor spectra (NAA:Cho = 0.41 +/- 0.27 and Cr:Cho = 0.37 +/- 0.23). Most of primitive neuroectodermal tumors had low NAA:Cho (0.17 +/- 0.09) and Cr:Cho (0.32 +/- 0.19). Compared with primitive neuroectodermal tumors, low-grade astrocytomas and ependymomas had higher NAA:Cho ratio (0.63 +/- 0.19 and 0.39 +/- 0.12). The Cr:Cho ratio was higher for ependymomas (0.60 +/- 0.20) than for astrocytomas (0.27 +/- 0.12) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors. No NAA was found in the malignant teratoma. Lac:Cho ratio was 0.66 +/- 0.40, 0.58 +/- 0.30, and 0.08 +/- 0.12 for astrocytoma, ependymoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor, respectively. Lactate was elevated in the mixed glioma ependymo-astrocytoma, ganglioglioma, and teratoma. The NAA and lactate signals were sometimes obscured by lipids in the spectra. Discriminant analysis was carried out using NAA:Cho and Cr:Cho ratios to differentiate the three major tumor types. The sensitivity/specificity values for diagnosing astrocytoma, ependymoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor were found to be 0.91/0.84, 0.75/0.92, and 0.82/0.89, respectively, based on this study.CONCLUSIONIn many cases, proton MR spectroscopy can be used to help differentiate cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor, low-grade astrocytoma, and ependymoma.     

Dynamic spin-echo imaging with Gd-DTPA: value in the differentiation of hepatic tumors

Thirty patients with hemangiomas (n = 6), benign liver cell tumors (n = 7), and primary or metastatic malignant tumors of the liver (n = 17) underwent dynamic MR imaging with Gd-DTPA to determine the value of the procedure in the differentiation of hepatic tumors. The diagnoses were proved by histology or follow-up. Hemangiomas had a significantly greater mean T2 value (192.1 +/- 34.8 msec) than did both benign liver cell tumors (71.9 +/- 16.9 msec; p less than .01) and primary or metastatic malignant tumors (79.7 +/- 21.2 msec; p less than .01), but the T2 values of benign liver cell tumors and malignant tumors were not significantly different. Both hemangiomas and benign liver cell tumors had a significantly greater mean signal-intensity ratio (1.86 +/- 0.60 and 1.77 +/- 0.26, respectively) than did malignant tumors (1.04 +/- 0.34; p less than .01) in the early phase after Gd-DTPA administration, and hemangiomas had a significantly greater signal-intensity ratio (1.59 +/- 0.21) than did both benign liver cell tumors (1.21 +/- 0.08; p less than .01) and malignant tumors (1.06 +/- 0.26; p less than .01) in the delayed phase. These results suggest that dynamic MR images obtained after administration of Gd-DTPA are useful in differentiating hepatic hemangiomas, benign liver cell tumors, and malignant liver lesions.     

Usefulness of Cho/Cr ratio in proton MR spectroscopy for differentiating residual/recurrent glioma from non-neoplastic lesions

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical usefulness of the Cho/Cr ratio of proton MR spectroscopy(1H-MRS) to differentiate residual/recurrent glioma from non-neoplastic lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 20 cases of glioma were involved in this study(astrocytoma grade I-II: 7, oligodendroglioma: 1, astrocytoma grade III: 2, glioblastoma: 10). Seven of the patients underwent surgical resection only, 4 underwent surgical resection and radiotherapy(40-60 Gy), and 9 underwent surgical resection and radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy(14-60 Gy). 1H-MRS was performed on a 1.5 Tesla clinical MR unit using a 3D-chemical shift imaging sequence(1500 msec/270 msec/1 (TR/TE/excitations), and the Cho/Cr ratio was calculated in the voxel where neoplastic lesion was most suspected on MRI. The presence of lactate + lipid peak was also evaluated. All spectra were obtained after the contrast enhanced study. RESULTS: Cho/Cr ratios were significantly higher in cases of residual/recurrent tumors(mean +/- SD = 1.70 +/- 0.96) than in non-neoplastic lesions(mean +/- SD = 1.04 +/- 1.16) (Mann-Whitney U-test p = 0.047). If a Cho/Cr ratio of more than 1.5 was used as a marker of tumor presence, its sensitivity was 64%, specificity 83%, and accuracy 70%. One false-positive case that of radiation necrosis whose spectrum showed a high Cho/Cr ratio with markedly elevated lactate + lipid peak. CONCLUSION: The Cho/Cr ratio of 1H-MRS provides additional information to MRI in differentiating residual/recurrent gliomas from non-neoplastic lesions.     

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging findings in salivary gland tumors

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) make up a small portion (approximately 5%) of all head and neck tumors. Most of them are located in the parotid glands, while they are less frequently located in the submandibular glands, minor salivary glands or sublingual gland. The incidence of malignant or benign tumors (BTs) in the salivary glands varies according to the salivary gland from which they originate. While most of those detected in the parotid gland tend to be benign, the incidence of malignancy increases in other glands. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of SGTs is increasing every day. While conventional sequences provide sufficient data on the presence, localization, extent and number of the tumor, they are insufficient for tumor specification. With the widespread use of advanced techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging, semi-quantitative and quantitative perfusion MRI, studies and data have been published on the differentiation of malignant or BTs and the specificity of their subtypes. With diffusion MRI, differentiation can be made by utilizing the cellularity and microstructural properties of tumors. For example, SGTs such as high cellular Warthin’s tumor (WT) or lymphoma on diffusion MRI have been reported to have significantly lower apparent diffusion values than other tumors. Contrast agent uptake and wash-out levels of tumors can be detected with semi-quantitative perfusion MRI. For example, it is reported that almost all of the pleomorphic adenomas show an increasing enhancement time intensity curve and do not wash-out. On quantitative perfusion MRI studies using perfusion parameters such as Ktrans, Kep, and Ve, it is reported that WTs can show higher Kep and lower Ve values than other tumors. In this study, the contribution of advanced MRI to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SGTs will be reviewed.     

Dynamic multislice computed tomography findings for parotid gland tumors

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to research the enhancement features of parotid gland masses in detail and characterize if the masses were Warthin tumors, adenomas, or malignant tumors. METHODS: The prospective study included 25 parotid tumors in 21 patients. Neck computed tomography (CT) was performed using a multislice CT unit. A full-neck CT examination was done at 30 seconds after completion of contrast injection, and then tumor-level images were obtained at 90 seconds and at 5 and 25 minutes. Computed tomography number (lesion density in Hounsfield units) was determined at each phase, and differences within and among tumor groups were statistically analyzed. Diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology. RESULTS: There were 11 Warthin tumors, 8 pleomorphic adenomas, 5 malignant tumors, and 1 basal cell adenoma. Ten Warthin tumors showed rapid contrast enhancement at 30 seconds and rapid reduction of enhancement from the first to the fourth phase. The basal cell adenoma showed also a peak enhancement at 30 seconds. Seven pleomorphic adenomas showed increased enhancement through the first 3 phases. Four malignant tumors showed peak enhancement at 90 seconds. Statistically significant differences within and among tumor groups were determined. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that peak tumor enhancement at 30 and 90 seconds, respectively, might identify Warthin and malignant tumors. Increased enhancement through all phases might be an indicator for diagnosing pleomorphic adenomas.