PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Ley

Publications and source records attributed to S Ley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Reference radiology in nephroblastoma: accuracy and relevance for preoperative chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: A reference radiologic diagnosis was carried out for the purpose of quality control and in order to achieve high diagnostic accuracy in the ongoing trial and study SIOP 2001/GPOH for renal tumors during childhood. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the value of diagnostic imaging and the benefit of reference evaluation at a pediatric radiology center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2004 the imaging studies of 97 patients suspected of having a renal tumor were presented at the beginning of therapy. Diagnostic imaging was compared to the primary imaging results and the histological findings and was analyzed in regard to the therapeutic consequence (primary chemotherapy without prior histology). 77 MRI, 35 CT and 67 ultrasound examinations of 47 girls and 50 boys (mean age 4 years; one day to 15.87 years old) were analyzed. In addition to the histological findings, the reference pathological results were submitted in 86 cases. Results from the primary imaging corresponding to the histology and results from the reference radiology corresponding to the histology were statistically compared in a binomial test. RESULTS: In 76 of the reference-diagnosed Wilms' tumors, 67 were confirmed histologically. In 72 cases preoperative chemotherapy was initiated. In 5 cases neither a Wilms' tumor nor a nephroblastomatosis was found. 16 of 21 cases (76 %) with reference-diagnosed non-Wilms' tumors were selected correctly. The results of the primary imaging corresponded to the histology in 71 cases, and those of the reference radiology in 82 cases. The statistical evaluation showed that the results of the reference radiology were significantly better (p = 0.03971). CONCLUSION: Reference radiological evaluation improved the diagnostic accuracy with therapeutic relevance. The differentiation of different renal tumors is not completely possible using imaging methods. The rate of patients with false preoperative chemotherapy for all renal neoplasms is currently 5.2 % and 1 % for benign renal tumors.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Comparison of CT during arterial portography and MR during arterial portography in the detection of liver metastases.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared MR during arterial portography (MRAP) with CT during arterial portography (CTAP) with regard to the detection and differentiation of liver metastases before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with liver metastases were enrolled before surgery according to the guidelines of our institutional review board and good clinical practice. After mesentericography, unenhanced scans (Volume Zoom) were performed initially. For CTAP, the contrast medium was injected through the superior mesenteric artery. Images were acquired in portal and delayed enhancement. The MR protocol (1.5 T; Magnetom Symphony) started with T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH) T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE). MRAP followed with gadolinium-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted 3D FLASH. Delayed-phase T1-weighted 2D FLASH axial images were performed 2 min after IV injection of the contrast medium. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of CTAP and MRAP was performed by three blinded radiologists regarding the number of lesions and their size, localization, and differential diagnosis. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity in detecting liver metastases was 97% with MRAP and 93% with CTAP (p > 0.05, not significant [n.s.]). The specificity was calculated to be 97% for MRAP and 82% for CTAP (p < 0.0001, statistically significant [s.s.]). The differences in sensitivity were more accentuated if only lesions 10 mm or smaller were considered (95% vs 88%, p > 0.05, n.s.), for which the respective specificities were 95% and 80% (p < 0.0014, s.s.). Improvements in sensitivity and specificity were associated with a higher lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (59.4 +/- 51.0 for MRAP vs 10.4 +/- 7.3 for CTAP) and resulted in higher diagnostic confidence in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions (p < 0.001, s.s.) and better interobserver agreement (median kappa value, 0.88 vs 0.63). CONCLUSION: MRAP proved to be a reliable method in the preoperative detection of small liver metastases in particular, with a higher sensitivity and specificity than CTAP. If organizational difficulties of MRAP can be overcome, MRAP could be considered instead of CTAP in the preoperative invasive evaluation of metastatic liver disease.

Adult↗

Time-resolved echo-shared parallel MRA of the lung: observer preference study of image quality in comparison with non-echo-shared sequences.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality of time-resolved echo-shared parallel MRA of the lung. The pulmonary vasculature of nine patients (seven females, two males; median age: 44 years) with pulmonary disease was examined using a time-resolved MRA sequence combining echo sharing with parallel imaging (time-resolved echo-shared angiography technique, or TREAT). The sharpness of the vessel borders, conspicuousness of peripheral lung vessels, artifact level, and overall image quality of TREAT was assessed independently by four readers in a side-by-side comparison with non-echo-shared time-resolved parallel MRA data (pMRA) previously acquired in the same patients. Furthermore, the SNR of pulmonary arteries (PA) and veins (PV) achieved with both pulse sequences was compared. The mean voxel size of TREAT MRA was decreased by 24% compared with the non-echo-shared MRA. Regarding the sharpness of the vessel borders, conspicuousness of peripheral lung vessels, and overall image quality the TREAT sequence was rated superior in 75-76% of all cases. If the TREAT images were preferred over the pMRA images, the advantage was rated as major in 61-71% of all cases. The level of artifacts was not increased with the TREAT sequence. The mean interobserver agreement for all categories ranged between fair (artifact level) and good (overall image quality). The maximum SNR of TREAT did not differ from non-echo-shared parallel MRA (PA: TREAT: 273+/-45; pMRA: 280+/-71; PV: TREAT: 273+/-33; pMRA: 258+/-62). TREAT achieves a higher spatial resolution than non-echo-shared parallel MRA which is also perceived as an improved image quality.

Adolescent↗

[Childhood kidney tumors -- the relevance of imaging].

Kidney tumors represent 6.2% of malignant tumors in children. History, clinical course and radiological findings are necessary elements in the differential diagnosis of the different renal tumors. In the case of nephroblastoma, chemotherapy is based solely on the radiological diagnosis without prior histology. In therapy-optimizing studies of the Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, preoperative chemotherapy is performed. Therapy monitoring is performed in the course of and after preoperative chemotherapy to verify tumor response. Radiological staging plays a significant role in deciding on further treatment and in operative planning. Three-dimensional visualization of the abdominal situs can assist preoperative planning. In summary, diagnostic imaging in renal tumors in children plays a role in differential diagnosis, staging, monitoring of therapy, and surgical planning.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Visual assessment of functional lungs parenchyma on HRCT and (3)He-MRI in patients after single lung transplantation: comparison with quantitative volumetric results].

PURPOSE: Visual assessment of the ventilation using HRCT and (3)He-MRI in patients after single lung transplantation (SLTX). Analysis of specific ventilation defects found with (3)He-MRI and morphological changes found with HRCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 8male patients (54 +/- 6 years) suffering from emphysema and six patients (3males and 3 females, 58 +/- 9.5 years) suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) after SLTX. The morphological changes at HRCT were classified and localized. In (3)He-MRI (2D FLASH), 10 to 14 slices (slice thickness 10 mm, gap 5 mm) were acquired in coronal orientation to cover the whole lung. Ventilation defects were localized and characterized. The visually estimated ventilation was recorded on a 5-point scoring system. A double threshold technique was applied to volumetric quantification in (3)He-MRI to serve as internal reference. RESULTS: We found no correlation between morphological changes in HRCT and ventilation defects in (3)He-MRI. The visual assessment of ventilation in (3)He-MRI was sufficient in patients with emphysema, but this was not confirmed in patients with IPF. The visual assessment in HRCT did not correlate with the volumetric evaluation in both conditions. CONCLUSION: The various ventilation defects were not linked to specific morphological changes. For the visually assessed ventilation in patients with emphysema, (3)He-MRI is superior to HRCT.

Emphysema↗

[Systematic analysis of the geometry of a defined contrast medium bolus--implications for contrast enhanced 3D MR-angiography of thoracic vessels].

PURPOSE: Little is known about the dispersion of a defined contrast bolus during its passage through the heart and pulmonary vasculature. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing a defined contrast bolus for ce-MRA of thoracic vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For analysis of bolus geometry, an ECG-gated saturation-recovery Turbo-Flash sequence with a TI of 20 msec was used. It was acquired axially at the level of the pulmonary trunc, so that with one data acquisition a curve analysis was possible in the ascending and descending aorta, and in the pulmonary trunc. Twenty-nine patients received 3 ml of Gd-DTPA diluted with saline to a total of 20 ml. Contrast injection was done using a MR compatible power injector with injection rates varying between 1, 2 and 4 ml/sec. Each injection was followed by a saline flush of 20 ml with the same injection rate and mode. Cardiac function was assessed by cine imaging, and phase contrast measurements. After normalization to baseline signal intensity (SI), bolus curves were fitted using a gamma-variate fit and peak signal intensity (peak SI), time-to-peak (TP), upslope, mean transit time (MTT) and dispersion of the contrast bolus were calculated. Furthermore, T (1) and [Gd] in the experimental setting were calculated as follows: T (1) = T (1 o)/ ln [SI/SI (0)], and [Gd] (exp) = [1/T (1) - 1/T (1 o)]/ R (1.) They were then extrapolated [Gd] to clinical conditions by [Gd] (clin) = [Gd] (exp) . 10/1.5, and minimal blood T (1) by T (1)(clin) = 1 / [1/T (1 o) + R (1) [Gd] (clin)]. RESULTS: With increasing injection rate, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) of MTT in all target vessels. However, this decrease was not linear: a 4-fold increase in injection rate lead to a 2-fold decrease in MTT e. g. in the ascending aorta. MTT was significantly shorter in the pulmonary trunc compared with that in the ascending and descending aorta (p < 0.001), regardless of injection rate (p < 0.001). Vice versa, dispersion of the contrast bolus was significantly lower in the pulmonary trunc, and increased with higher injection rates. There was no clinically relevant difference in minimal blood T (1) between the different target vessels, for clinical conditions extrapolated values ranged between 20 und 79 msec. Heart function parameters only had a minor influence of bolus curve parameters. CONCLUSION: Analysis of bolus geometry enables determination of transit times of a defined contrast bolus through a defined target vessel in the thoracic cavity. Bolus geometry is mainly determined by injection parameters, cardiac function is of minor importance. Dispersion of contrast bolus and MTT increase from the pulmonary trunc to the ascending aorta. The knowledge of these facts may help optimizing of injection parameters and the total amount of contrast agent for contrast-enhanced MRA of thoracic vessels.

Adult↗

[Multidetector CT for the diagnosis of congenital vascular anomalies and associated complications in newborns and infants].

PURPOSE: To assess the value of multidetector CT (MDCT) for evaluation of vascular anomalies (VA) and associated complications in newborns and infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five children (mean age: 9 +/- 6 months, range: 2 weeks to 24 months) with VA were examined using MDCT (4-, 8- or 16-row; collimation 0.5-1.25 mm; scan time 7-30 s), which was performed under controlled ventilation or free breathing. Image quality was rated using a 5-point scale. Image findings were correlated to echocardiography, conventional catheter angiography (CCA), bronchoscopy, and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: High quality MDCT data were almost free of cardiac and respiratory motion. In all cases, VA morphology and topography in relation to adjacent structures, e. g. tracheal and esophageal compression caused by an aortic ring, could be assessed exactly and allowed the final diagnosis. Even aberrant vessels, such as aorto-pulmonary collaterals (MAPCA) with a diameter of less than 1 mm, could be identified and excellently visualized. Eighty percent (60/75) of all patients had benefited from the MDCT: in 31 patients CCA was neither necessary to perform surgical planning nor to exclude a VA; in an additional 29 patients radiation doses and sedation time due to interventional procedures could be reduced markedly. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT can now be regarded as the modality of choice as a minimally invasive, robust, and accurate technique for the diagnosis of complex VA, their potentially life-threatening complications and preoperative planning even in newborns and infants. Its accuracy for detecting VA appears equivalent to CCA while it is more accurate in delineating potential life-threatening complications.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

[Contrast-enhanced 3D MR perfusion of the lung: application of parallel imaging technique in healthy subjects].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of lung perfusion by contrast-enhanced 3D MRI using partial parallel imaging techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers were examined using a contrast-enhanced dynamic FLASH 3D sequence with partial parallel imaging technique at 1.5 T MRI with a TA of 1.5 sec. The whole lung was covered by 36 coronal slices. A ventral, middle and dorsal slice of each lung was manually segmented and signal-to-time curves were computed. For absolute quantification of blood flow through the right and left pulmonary artery, phase-contrast flow measurements were performed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the signal intensity in the right (8.9 +/- 2.6) and left (8.0 +/- 3.5) lung, corresponding to a left-to-right signal intensity ratio of 0.9. A significantly higher signal intensity was found in the dorsal regions of the lungs (p = 0.01) compared to the ventral regions. The time to peak of the signal intensity was significantly shorter in the dorsal (15.3 sec) and middle (15.7 sec) regions of the lungs (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) than in the ventral regions (16.3 sec). The ratio between blood flow through the left (2.2 L/min) and right (2.7 L/min) lung was 0.84. CONCLUSION: Partial parallel image acquisition can assess the perfusion of the lungs at high temporal resolution. The perfusion is slightly higher on the right than on the left. The signal increases faster and has a higher peak in the dorsal lung regions.

Adolescent↗

[A software tool for analysis and quantification of regional pulmonary ventilation using dynamic hyperpolarised-(3)He-MRI].

PURPOSE: (3)He-MRI is able to visualize the regional distribution of lung ventilation with a temporal and spatial resolution so far unmatched by any other technique. The aim of the study was the development of a new software tool for quantification of dynamic ventilation parameters in absolute physical units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During continuous breathing, a bolus of hyperpolarized (3)He (300 ml) was applied at inspiration and a series of 168 coronal projection images simultaneously acquired using a 2D FLASH-sequence. Postprocessing software was developed to analyze the (3)He distribution in the lung. After correction for lung motion, several ventilation parameters (rise time, delay time, (3)He amount and (3)He peak flow) were calculated. Due to normalization of signal intensities, these parameters are presented in absolute physical units. The data sets were analyzed on a ROI basis as well as on a pixel-by-pixel basis. RESULTS: Using the developed software, the measurements were analyzed in 6 lung-healthy volunteers, in one patient after lung transplantation, and in one patient with lung emphysema. The volunteers' parameter maps of the pixel-based analysis showed an almost homogeneous distribution of the ventilation parameters within the lung. In the parameter maps of both patients, regions with poor ventilation were observed. CONCLUSION: The developed software permits an objective and quantitative analysis of regional lung ventilation in absolute physical units. The clinical significance of the parameters, however, has to be determined in larger clinical studies. The software may become valuable in grading and following pulmonary function as well as in monitoring any therapy.

Aged↗

Quantitative analysis of pulmonary perfusion using time-resolved parallel 3D MRI - initial results.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of time-resolved parallel 3D MRI for a quantitative analysis of pulmonary perfusion in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with pulmonary embolism or pulmonary hypertension were examined with a time-resolved 3D gradient echo pulse sequence with parallel imaging techniques (FLASH 3D, TE/TR: 0.8/1.9 ms; flip angle: 40 degrees; GRAPPA). A quantitative perfusion analysis based on indicator dilution theory was performed using a dedicated software. RESULTS: Patients with pulmonary embolism or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension revealed characteristic wedge-shaped perfusion defects at perfusion MRI. They were characterized by a decreased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and pulmonary blood volume (PBV) and increased mean transit time (MTT). Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension or Eisenmenger syndrome showed a more homogeneous perfusion pattern. The mean MTT of all patients was 3.3 - 4.7 s. The mean PBF and PBV showed a broader interindividual variation (PBF: 104 - 322 ml/100 ml/min; PBV: 8 - 21 ml/100 ml). CONCLUSION: Time-resolved parallel 3D MRI allows at least a semi-quantitative assessment of lung perfusion. Future studies will have to assess the clinical value of this quantitative information for the diagnosis and management of cardiopulmonary disease.

Acute Disease↗

Evaluation of changes in central airway dimensions, lung area and mean lung density at paired inspiratory/expiratory high-resolution computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of interdependencies of dynamic changes in central airway dimensions, lung area and lung density on HRCT. The HRCT scans of 156 patients obtained at full inspiratory and expiratory position were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into four groups according to lung function tests: normal subjects ( n=47); obstructive ( n=74); restrictive ( n=19); or mixed ventilatory impairment ( n=16). Mean lung density (MLD) was correlated with cross-sectional area of the lung (CSA(L)), cross-sectional area of the trachea (CSA(T)) and diameter of main-stem bronchi (D(B)). The CSA(L) was correlated with CSA(T) and D(B). MLD correlated with CSA(L) in normal subjects ( r=-0.66, p<0.0001) and patients with obstructive ( r=-0.62, p<0.0001), restrictive ( r=-0.83, p<0.0001) and mixed ventilatory impairment ( r=-0.86, p<0.0001). The MLD correlated with CSA(T) in the control group ( r=-0.50, p<0.0001) and in patients with obstructive lung impairment ( r-0.27, p<0.05). In patients with normal lung function a correlation between MLD and D(B) was found ( r=-0.52, p<0.0001). CSA(L) and CSA(T) correlated in the control group ( r=0.67, p<0.0001) and in patients with obstructive lung disease ( r=0.51, p<0.0001). The CSA(L) and D(B) correlated in the control group ( r=0.42, p<0.0001) and in patients with obstructive lung disease ( r=0.24, p<0.05). Correlations for patients with restrictive and mixed lung disease were constantly lower. Dependencies between central and peripheral airway dimensions and lung parenchyma are demonstrated by HRCT. Best correlations are observed in normal subjects and patients with obstructive lung disease. Based on these findings we postulate that the dependencies are the result of air-flow and pressure patterns.

Adolescent↗

[Reformation as proposed solution for the problem of sectioning different levels with 3He-MRT and HR-CT of the chest].

PURPOSE: 3He-MRI of the lung has been shown to be a sensitive method for functional imaging of the lung. A previous study compared 3He-MRI (coronal planes) with CT (transverse planes) by looking for ventilation defects and their pathomorphologic correlation. Anatomic structures, such as lobar fissures and hilar vessels, were used for orientation, but the reliable assignment of ventilation defects to lung segments is problematic. The present work compares multiplanar reformations of 3He-MRI and HR-CT, which were generated from planes determined by the respective method, and investigates their suitability as a solution of this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 data sets taken from 15 patients with unilateral lung transplantation and one patient with lung emphysema were retrospectively evaluated. Transverse planes of 3He-MRI and coronal planes of HR-CT were reformatted on an external workstation and images evaluated by two readers in consensus. The evaluation searched for ventilation defects on 3He-MRI and their corresponding defects on HR-CT. The defects were related to anatomic structures, with hilar vessels and tracheobronchial tree selected for 3He-MRI reformations and lobar fissures for HR-CT reformations. RESULTS: All cases were successfully reformatted and all ventilation defects were correctly assigned to anatomic structures. On HR-CT reformations, the lobar fissures were partially visible in 12 of 16 cases and completely visible in the remaining 4 cases. Since reformation compromises the spatial resolution, the reformatted images should be evaluated together with the source images. CONCLUSION: Looking at HR-CT and 3He-MRI images and their reformations enables the detection of ventilation defects and their assignment to lung segments, facilitating the correlation of ventilation defects with a pathomorphologic pattern on HR-CT.

Adult↗

[Pre- and postoperative assessment of hemodynamics in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension by MR techniques].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of MRI to grade cardiac impairment and pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in comparison with invasive pressure measurements before and after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 35 patients with CTEPH before and after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE). For assessment of hemodynamics, velocity-encoded segmented GE-sequences (pulmonary arteries and ascending aorta) and segmented cine GE-sequences along the short axis of the heart were performed. The analysis comprised calculation of ejection fractions, peak velocities, mean pulmonary arterial flow and vessel diameter. 10 volunteers served as controls. Flow measurements were compared to invasively measured mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and vascular resistance (PVR). RESULTS: Compared to volunteers, CTEPH-patients showed significantly reduced right ventricular ejection fractions (p < 0.001), pulmonary peak velocity (p < 0.001) and significantly increased diameters of the pulmonary arteries (p < 0.001). The flow measurements in the aorta (2713 ml/min) and the pulmonary arteries (2088 ml/min) revealed a large bronchopulmonary shunt. After PTE, there was a significant reduction in vessel diameter (p < 0.001). This was associated with a significant increase in pulmonary peak velocities (p < 0.001). The increase in pulmonary peak velocities correlated with the decrease of PVR (r = 0.5) and MPAP (r = 0.6). The ejection fraction of the right ventricle correlated with PVR (r = 0.6) and MPAP (r = 0.7). The postoperative decrease in MPAP correlated with the increase in right ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.8). After PTE there was no bronchopulmonary shunt volume. All patients had an inverse motion of the interventricular septum. It returned to normal in 68 % of patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Breath-hold MR-techniques enable non-invasive assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with CTEPH. For postoperative follow-up studies MRI could be considered the modality of choice.

Adult↗

Radiological imaging as the basis for a simulation software of ventilation in the tracheo-bronchial tree.

The inhaled route is a promising new way for administering drugs to the human body. Flow and particle deposition in the human respiratory tract depends on the individual's anatomy as well as on the drug composition. A European Framework V Program supported project is currently developing a simulation tool for assessment of drug distribution and deposition. This tool relies heavily on the input of radiological data sets, which are obtained in humans. Both high temporal and spatial resolutions are required, and CT and MRI (including hyperpolarized helium-3 MRI) are applied. The radiological data are integrated into computation fluid dynamics software, which is capable of assessing air-flow profiles and compartmental behaviours. This is complemented by pharmacokinetic models, which should result in a simulation tool that will be of use for the theoretical design of new inhaled therapies. This article describes the special imaging requirements of each region of the respiratory tract and the feasibility of these sophisticated radiological techniques with a view of using these data in a simulation model of the lung.

Administration, Inhalation↗

[Suspected diphtheria. Immediately start therapy!].

Only those strains of corynebacteria that carry the gene for diphtheria toxin may cause diphtheria. The only known reservoir of C. diphtheriae is man. The past decade has seen a return of diphtheria in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. Owing to a lack of immunization of the population, more than 150,000 people went down with the disease. In Germany, too, contact resulted in a number of cases and two deaths. The sole effective protection is immunization. Although more than 90% of children and adolescents are protected, only 40% to 60% of adults are.

Adolescent↗

Correlation of microvascular permeability derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with histologic grade and tumor labeling index: a study in human brain tumors.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Dynamic contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be used to quantify fractional blood volume (fBV) and microvascular permeability in human brain tumors. Hypothesis is that these measurements correlate with tumor histologic grade and immunohistologically assessed mitotic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with newly diagnosed gliomas underwent MR imaging consisting of dynamic three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state image sets following bolus injections of a single dose of gadodiamide. Signal intensity changes in blood and tissue were kinetically analyzed, yielding estimates of fBV and microvascular permeability (k). Tumor specimens were graded with the World Health Organization-II four-point grading score. MIB-1 immunohistochemical labeling (anti-Ki-67 monoclonal antibody) was performed in 22 patients to evaluate mitotic activity. RESULTS: Histologic study revealed nine grade 2, 14 grade 3, and 15 grade 4 tumors. fBV ranged from 0.4% to 24%, k from -0.4 to 31.4 mL/100 cm3 x min, and MIB-1 labeling indexes from 1.7% to 42.8%. Correlation to the tumor grade was highest for permeability (r = 0.73), followed by the MIB-1 index (r = 0.63), and fBV (r = 0.48). Correlation between k and MIB-1 index was strong (r = 0.84). There was no statistically significant difference between the fBV of any of the groups. Despite some overlap between the permeability values of specific tumors from different grades, differences were statistically significant. The MIB-1 index was significantly different between grades 3 and 4 but not between grades 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging allows noninvasive determination of tumor fBV and microvascular permeability k. k is more reliable than the MIB-1 labeling index for differentiating grade 2 from grade 3 tumors.

Brain↗