Microvessel barrier dysfunction in sinonasal inverted papilloma-associated squamous cell carcinoma and its manifestation in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To date, an effective means to preoperatively predict the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP) remains lacking due to similarities in clinical appearance. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters and microvessel structure in tumors with histologically confirmed SIP and inverted papilloma-associated squamous cell carcinoma (IP-SCC), as well as correlate DCE-MRI findings with angiogenesis biomarkers. METHODS: Absolute quantitative DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve) based on the Tofts model and model-free semi-quantitative indices (Tpeak, WR, MaxSlope) of SIP (n = 22) and IP-SCC (n = 20) were investigated. Regions of interest (ROIs) were oriented according to the tumor subsites in the surgical records. Micro-vessel density (MVD) counts and tight junction protein (claudin-5) expression were evaluated in tumor specimens obtained during surgery. Differences in the above data were compared between the two groups. Correlations between DCE-MRI parameters and angiogenic biomarkers were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with SIP specimens, IP-SCC specimens were characterized by a significantly higher MVD and a leakier microvessel barrier. The values of Tpeak and Ve were significantly higher for SIP than those for IP-SCC, whereas WR, MaxSlope, and Kep were significantly lower, indicating early enhancement and a faster dispersion model in IP-SCC. MVD was positively correlated with WR and Kep and negatively correlated with Tpeak. Tpeak was slightly positively correlated to claudin-5 expression. CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI can serve as a noninvasive biomarker of angiogenesis in the malignant transformation from SIP to IP-SCC. DCE-MRI may assist in the differentiation of malignancies and treatment selection.