Is there any correlation between model-based perfusion parameters and model-free parameters of time-signal intensity curve on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in breast cancer patients?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To find out any correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)

model-based parameters and model-free parameters, and evaluate correlations

between perfusion parameters with histologic prognostic factors. METHODS:

Model-based parameters (Ktrans, Kep and Ve) of 102 invasive ductal carcinomas

were obtained using DCE-MRI and post-processing software. Correlations between

model-based and model-free parameters and between perfusion parameters and

histologic prognostic factors were analysed. RESULTS: Mean Kep was significantly

higher in cancers showing initial rapid enhancement (P = 0.002) and a delayed

washout pattern (P = 0.001). Ve was significantly lower in cancers showing a

delayed washout pattern (P = 0.015). Kep significantly correlated with time to

peak enhancement (TTP) (rho = -0.33, P < 0.001) and washout slope (rho = 0.39, P

= 0.002). Ve was significantly correlated with TTP (rho = 0.33, P = 0.002). Mean

Kep was higher in tumours with high nuclear grade (P = 0.017). Mean Ve was lower

in tumours with high histologic grade (P = 0.005) and in tumours with negative

oestrogen receptor status (P = 0.047). TTP was shorter in tumours with negative

oestrogen receptor status (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: We could acquire general

information about the tumour vascular physiology, interstitial space volume and

pathologic prognostic factors by analyzing time-signal intensity curve without a

complicated acquisition process for the model-based parameters. KEY POINTS: * Kep

mainly affected the initial and delayed curve pattern in time-signal intensity

curve. * There is significant correlation between model-based and model-free

parameters. * We acquired information about tumour vascular physiology,

interstitial space volume and prognostic factors.