Evaluation of quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in qualitative diagnosis of hepatic masses

Jingjing Chen,Weiqun Bi,Hui Hua,Xianglong Shi,Kaikai Zhao,Shi-en Liu,Youjiao Si

doi:10.1186/s12880-018-0299-8

Abstract

BackgroundTo explore the value of parameters of multiphase dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MDCE-MRI) in the qualitative diagnosis of hepatic masses.MethodsEighty patients with hepatic masses were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent MDCE-MRI at 3.0 T MR before treatment. Mean enhancement time (MET), positive enhancement integral (PEI), a maximum slope of increase (MSI), and a maximum slope of decrease (MSD) were measured.ResultsThere were significant differences between benign and malignant hepatic masses with respect to MET, PEI, and MSI values. The PEI and MSI values between hemangiomas, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), cholangiocarcinomas, and metastatic tumors had significant differences. The MSD value between metastatic tumors, HCCs, and hemangiomas were significantly different. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the receiver operator characteristic curves for MET, PEI, and MSI were 0.70, 0.72, and 0.80, respectively. The specificity of MET, PEI, and MSI were all 77%, and the sensitivities of MSI was the highest, of which was 82.40%. Logistic regression analysis showed the regression equation to be P = 1/[1 + e0.008 × 1 + 0.007 × 2–6.707], and taking the Youden index maximum points as a diagnostic point was 0.2946.ConclusionSome parameters of MDCE-MRI have significant roles in differentiating hepatic masses.

Highlights

To explore the value of parameters of multiphase dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MDCE-MRI) in the qualitative diagnosis of hepatic masses
It is important to make a correct diagnosis, especially when the potential for therapy exists. While most of these lesions present as solitary masses, multiple lesions may be seen in patients with hemangiomas, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), cholangiocarcinomas, and metastatic tumors
Comparison of benign and malignant hepatic tumors The Mean enhancement time (MET), positive enhancement integral (PEI), and maximum slope of increase (MSI) values were significantly lower in the malignant hepatic tumor group than that in the benign tumor group (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

To explore the value of parameters of multiphase dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MDCE-MRI) in the qualitative diagnosis of hepatic masses. There are numerous causes of solid hepatic masses, both benign and malignant. It is important to make a correct diagnosis, especially when the potential for therapy exists. While most of these lesions present as solitary masses, multiple lesions may be seen in patients with hemangiomas, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), cholangiocarcinomas, and metastatic tumors. The positive predictive value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer is only 67.8–74.4% [2]. Biopsy and histopathologic verification are mandatory for the definitive diagnosis of hepatic masses, those cannot be regarded as ideal diagnostic methods as invasive procedures

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion