Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in the differentiation of posttreatment fibrosis from recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the differentiation of posttreatment fibrosis from recurrent carcinoma, by comparing the dynamic contrast-enhancement characteristics of the lesions.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with previously treated carcinoma of the head and neck are studied by conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI at least 6 months after treatment by radiotherapy and/or surgery. Patients are divided into tumor-positive or -negative groups according to the radiological and clinical follow-up and biopsy. Lesion enhancement ratios at each dynamic sequence are calculated.


RESULTS
The tumor-positive group consisted of 11 patients, while the tumor-negative group included 15 patients. Between the two groups, lesion enhancement ratios are found to be significantly different (P<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI may be a valuable modality in the differentiation of recurrent tumor from posttreatment fibrotic changes of the head and neck.
Semiz Oysu
Aslihan
A
Department of Radiology, Hospital Turk, Istanbul, Turkey. aslihansemiz@yahoo.com
Ayanoglu
Elif
E
Kodalli
Nihat
N
Oysu
Cagatay
C
Uneri
Cuneyt
C
Erzen
Canan
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media