Evaluation of parotid gland function using equivalent cross-relaxation rate imaging applied magnetization transfer effect.
Safe imaging modalities are needed for evaluating parotid gland function. The aim of this study was to validate the utility of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool, equivalent cross-relaxation rate imaging (ECRI), as a measurement of parotid gland function after chemoradiotherapy. Subjects comprised 18 patients with head-neck cancer who underwent ECRI and salivary gland scintigraphy. First, we calculated ECR values (signal intensity on ECRI), maximum uptake rate (MUR) and washout rate (WOR) from salivary gland scintigraphy data at the parotid glands. Second, we investigated correlations between ECR values and each parameter of MUR (uptake function) and WOR (secretory function) obtained by salivary gland scintigraphy at the parotid gland. Next, we investigated each dose-response for ECR, MUR and WOR at the parotid gland. A correlation was detected between ECR values and MUR in both the pre- (r = -0.55, p < 0.01) and post-treatment (r = -0.50, p < 0.05) groups. A significant post-treatment correlation was detected between the percentage change in ECR values at 3-5 months after chemoradiotherapy and median dose to the parotid gland (Pearson correlation, r = -0.62, p < 0.05). However, no correlations were detected between median dose to the parotid gland and either MUR or WOR. ECRI is a new imaging tool for evaluating the uptake function of the parotid gland after chemoradiotherapy.
Department of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. hishimizu@aichi-co.jp
Hidetoshi
H
Shimizu
Shigeru
S
Matsushima
Yasutomi
Y
Kinosada
Hiroki
H
Miyamura
Natsuo
N
Tomita
Takashi
T
Kubota
Hikaru
H
Osaki
Masashi
M
Nakayama
Manabu
M
Yoshimoto
Takeshi
T
Kodaira
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult