Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to determine MRI characteristics which indicate liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) rather than metastases of other origin (non-NET). MethodsSixty-nine patients with histopathologically proven liver metastases from NET and 69 patients with known liver metastases of other origin underwent MRI of the liver using a 1.5T MR-scanner. Two board certified radiologists assessed presence of fluid–fluid-levels, number and distribution pattern, signal intensity (SI) characteristics, lesion homogeneity, presence of central necrosis and intratumoral hemorrhage in T2w and T1w non-contrast imaging. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association of image findings and occurrence of NET. ResultsFluid–fluid-levels were identified in 19/69 of patients with NET-metastases, and in none of the patients in the control group (p<0.0001). Hyperintense SI in T1w imaging, markedly hyperintense SI in T2w imaging, a disseminated distribution pattern and intratumoral hemorrhage were indicative of NET metastases (p<0.05). After statistical adjustment for all significant MRI findings, fluid–fluid-levels (OR: 17.6, 95% CI: 1.9–166.5), strongly hyperintense SI in T2w (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.8–12.7) and a disseminated distribution pattern (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.4) were independent predictors for NET metastases. ConclusionsThe presence of fluid–fluid-levels is highly indicative of NET liver metastases and can be used as an independent predictor to distinguish them from metastases of other origin.
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