Corelation of histopathological findings and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between parameters to be obtained from multiparametric MRI and parameters such as grade, proliferation index and microvascular density to be obtained histopathologically and stage in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It has been hypothesized that quantitative data obtained with Mp-MRI may correlate with histopathological methods and allow non-invasive evaluation of tumor features and behaviors. Material and Method: Between December 2017 and February 2019, patients with histopathologically diagnosed as HNSCC at the Dokuz Eylul University Medical Faculty Hospital and examined with Multiparametric MRI were scanned in the imaging archive and 33 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. ADCmean parameter was obtained by measurements on DWI images and Ktrans, Kep, Ve and iAUC parameters were obtained by measurements on DCE MRI images were measured with two methods at the Workstation. In addition, proliferation index was estimated on Ki-67 antigen stained specimens and microvessel density was estimated on CD34 and CD105 antigen stained specimens The T and N-stages and grades of tumors were also recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to determine the correlation between the Multiparametric MRI parameters and histopathological data to evaluate the status of these measurements according to stage and degrees, and to determine the pre-diagnostic threshold value of the appropriate data. Results: Mean values of Ktrans, Kep, Ve and iAUC parameters were significantly higher in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue p=0,00, p=0,00, p=0,006, p=0,00, respectively). In the DCE MRI measurement made by both methods, it was found that some parameters correlated positively and negatively. In the measurement made with standard ROI, there was a statistically weak positive correlation between Ktrans and CD34 MVDmax and CD34 MVDmean measurements (r=0.363; p=0.037, r=0.346; p=0.049). The proliferation index and Ve parameter that obtained from the measurement with standard ROI were significantly higher in T3-T4 tumors compared to those with T1-T2 (p=0.003, p=0.03). There was no correlation between DCE MRI parameters and ADCmean measurements and proliferation index (p>0.05). While there was a significant relationship between tumor grade and MVD parameters, no significant relationship was observed with DCE MRI parameters. ADCmean was not correlated with histopathological parameters, the stage and grade of the tumor (p>0,05). Conclusion: Data obtained from DCE MRI, which is a component of Mp-MRI, is a method that has the potential to predict the features of the tumor, such as T stage and microvascular density, and it is thought that the position of BBYEHK will appear more clearly with the standardization of its technique and measurement methods. Key Words: HNSCC, DCE MRI, DWI, Ktrans, Kep, Ve, iAUC, ADC, MVD