Musculoskeletal neoplasm: perineoplastic edema versus tumor on dynamic postcontrast MR images with spatial mapping of instantaneous enhancement rates.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the utility of fast, contrast-enhanced, sequential magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiating between extraosseous tumor and perineoplastic edema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients underwent sequential MR imaging (3.5 seconds per image) after bolus administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Initial rates of enhancement (initial slope) were calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis and displayed as a "slope image"' in which pixel intensity reflected the slope value. Close correlation with wedge biopsy specimens was performed.

RESULTS

Mean initial slope values were viable extraosseous tumor, 9.33 (standard deviation, 2.23); infiltrated muscle, 9.07 (2.31); edematous muscle without tumor infiltration, 5.48 (1.27); normal muscle, 1.11 (0.65). Differences in initial slope between all neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissues were statistically significant. Within individual patients, initial slope of edematous muscle was always 20% or more lower than that of neoplastic tissue. Slope images highlighted areas of viable extraosseous tumor and infiltrated muscle against edematous and normal tissues.

CONCLUSION

Computer-generated slope images derived from sequential postcontrast MR images allow differentiation between tumor and nonneoplastic edema and may thereby guide the surgeon in planning limb-sparing procedures.