Whole tumour quantitative measurement of first-pass perfusion of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma using 64-row multidetector computed tomography: Correlation with microvessel density

Purpose

To assess correlations between whole tumour first-pass perfusion parameters obtained with 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), and microvessel density (MVD) in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-one consecutive patients with surgically confirmed oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas were enrolled into our study. All the patients underwent whole tumour first-pass perfusion scan with 64-row MDCT. Perfusion parameters, including perfusion (PF), peak enhanced density (PED), blood volume (BV), and time to peak (TTP) were measured using Philips perfusion software. Postoperative tumour specimens were assessed for MVD. Pearson correlation coefficient tests were performed to determine correlations between each perfusion parameter and MVD.

Results

Mean values for PF, PED, BV and TTP of the whole tumour were 28.85 ± 20.29 ml/min/ml, 23.16 ± 8.09 HU, 12.13 ± 5.21 ml/100 g, and 35.05 ± 13.85 s, respectively. Mean MVD in whole tumour at magnification (×200) was 15.75 ± 4.34 microvessel/tumour sample (vessels/0.723 mm²). PED and BV were correlated with MVD (r = 0.651 and r = 0.977, respectively, all p < 0.05). However, PF and TTP were not correlated with MVD (r = 0.070 and r = 0.100, respectively, all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The BV value of first-pass perfusion CT could reflect MVD in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and can be an indicator for evaluating the tumour angiogenesis.