Chemical shift imaging in the identification of those renal tumours that contain microscopic fat and the utility of multiparametric MRI in their differentiation.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the qualitative and MRI findings of renal tumours, to determine which lesions contain microscopic fat, one of the potential differentiating factors between tumour types. 73 patients who underwent 3 Tesla MRI including chemical shift imaging, with subsequent biopsy or excision for histopathological diagnosis, were included in the study. The images were reviewed for a decrease in signal intensity (SI) on the opposed phase compared with the in-phase gradient echo T1 images, indicating the presence of microscopic fat. The chemical shift index was then calculated as a percentage of SI change and compared with the pathological diagnosis. In total, 38 (52%) of lesions demonstrated a decrease in SI, consistent with microscopic fat. Microscopic fat was found in 28 (80%) clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 6 (66.7%) angiomyolipomas, 2 (20%) papillary RCCs, 1 (20%) chromophobe RCC and 1 (9.1%) oncocytoma. Pairwise comparison of means indicated that the amount of microscopic fat was significantly larger only for angiomyolipomas compared with clear cell RCCs (P<0.001) and other renal lesions (P<0.001). A decrease in SI on opposed phase compared with in-phase chemical shift imaging favours the diagnosis of either clear cell RCC or an angiomyolipoma. When combined with other parameters in mpMRI, this may aid differentiation of benign from malignant tumours and differentiation of aggressive from indolent RCC subtypes. This may be of value where biopsy is non-diagnostic, not feasible due to location or in high-risk patients.