Characterization of cervical lymph nodes using DCE-MRI: Differentiation between metastases from SCC of head and neck and benign lymph nodes

Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2016 Nov 25;64(2):213-222. doi: 10.3233/CH-162065.

Abstract

Purposes: To compare the characteristics of DCE-MRI between metastatic and benign lymph nodes (LNs). To explore the effect of sizes of LNs on the value of Ktrans, Ve and iAUC.

Materials and methods: Metastatic and benign LNs were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test and two sample t-test were applied to TICs and parameters. One factor covariance analysis was used to explore the effect of diameters on the value of Ktrans, Ve and iAUC.

Results: The value of Ktrans, Ve and iAUC of metastatic LNs were statistically higher (all p < 0.001) than those of benign LNs. The short-axis diameters had no influence on parameters.

Conclusions: DCE-MRI is useful to differentiate the metastatic LNs from benign LNs. Sizes of LNs has no effect on parameters.

Keywords: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; lymph node.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / mortality
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate