Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in the differentiation of posttreatment fibrosis from recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the differentiation of posttreatment fibrosis from recurrent carcinoma, by comparing the dynamic contrast-enhancement characteristics of the lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with previously treated carcinoma of the head and neck are studied by conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI at least 6 months after treatment by radiotherapy and/or surgery. Patients are divided into tumor-positive or -negative groups according to the radiological and clinical follow-up and biopsy. Lesion enhancement ratios at each dynamic sequence are calculated. RESULTS: The tumor-positive group consisted of 11 patients, while the tumor-negative group included 15 patients. Between the two groups, lesion enhancement ratios are found to be significantly different (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI may be a valuable modality in the differentiation of recurrent tumor from posttreatment fibrotic changes of the head and neck.