Histogram analysis parameters derived from DCE-MRI in head and neck squamous cell cancer - Associations with microvessel density.

PURPOSE: DCE MRI is a functional imaging modality, which is widely acknowledged to be linked to microvessel density in tissues. Therefore, it might be able to predict vessels in tumors. The present study sought to elucidate possible associations between microvessel density and histogram parameters in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHOD: 30 patients with histologically proven HNSCC were included in the study. DCE MRI was performed with a 3 T MRI and histogram analysis was calculated with a whole lesion measurement. In every case microvessel density was estimated with CD105 stained specimens. RESULTS: Median derived from Ktrans correlated with vessel area (ρ = 0.39, P = 0.034). No other Ktrans or Ve parameter reached statistically significance. Several Kep derived parameters correlated with vessel area as well as with vessel count. MinKep had the highest correlation coefficient with vessel area (ρ = 0.45, P = 0.01). ModeKep had the highest coefficient with vessel count (ρ = 0.41, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Histogram parameters derived from Kep might be used as surrogate imaging biomarkers for microvessel density parameters in HNSCC. MinimumKep showed the highest correlation with vessel area and Mode Kep with vessel count.