Differential diagnostic value of computed tomography perfusion combined with vascular endothelial growth factor expression in head and neck lesions

Abstract

There are numerous types of head and neck lesions (HNLs), and conventional computed tomography (CT) has low specificity and sensitivity in the definitive and differential diagnosis of HNLs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of perfusion CT (CTP) combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the differentiation between malignant and benign HNLs. In total, 41 HNLs, which were pathologically confirmed, underwent CTP and VEGF expression analysis. All lesions were divided into three groups: Group A, benign hypovascular lesions; Group B, benign hypervascular lesions; and Group C, malignant lesions. Time density curve (TDC) and CTP parameters [maximum intensity projection (MIP), blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), mean transit time and capillary permeability] were analyzed. The association between perfusion measurements and VEGF was assessed using Pearson's correlation. TDCs were classified into three types, and type I was more frequently identified in benign tumors (Groups A and B) compared with malignant tumors (Group C) (P=0.003). Malignant tumors primarily had a TDC of type II and III. MIP, BF and BV were all significantly higher in Groups B and C compared to Group A (P<0.01). VEGF expression of malignant tumors was significantly higher than benign tumors (P=0.007). No correlation was identified between VEGF and any CTP parameter. The present findings suggest that CTP combined with VEGF may differentiate between malignant and benign HNLs, and between benign hypovascular and hypervascular lesions.

Perfusion Computed Tomography Scan Imaging in Differentiation of Benign from Malignant Parotid Lesions

“…0.001), which is similar to the results of the study by Wang. 10 The overall mean of BV, BF, and MIP for MTs was higher than that for PA but did not have a significant correlation with the statistical analysis. The presence of multiple areas of necrosis in the malignant lesions can be a factor to reduce the perfusion CT parameters.…”

“…which is the same result found by Wang in his study. 10 Type-2 TDC helps to differentiate between the benign hypervascular and malignant hypovascular masses. The presence of a rich capillary network and a large number of blood vessels with weak walls in this group of masses, especially in the cases of WT, can justify this pattern.…”

“…The presence of multiple areas of necrosis in the malignant lesions can be a factor to reduce the perfusion CT parameters. 10 Therefore, MIP, BV, and BF, which reflect the angiogenesis of tumors that can partly be distinguished from the three groups. In this study, the highest mean BF and BV were seen in WTs.…”

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography in dogs with nasal tumors

“…51,[55][56][57][58][59] A large reduction of BF and BV during chemoradiation also generally is associated with good local control. 23,59,60 In humans, DCECT also has been used to predict tumor grade, [61][62][63][64][65] define tumor margins and detect local tumor recurrence, 25,66 differentiate benign from malignant lesions, 67,68 and detect lymph node metastases. 69 In veterinary medicine, DCECT mostly has been used for fundamental research and proof of concept.…”

Mining the Biomarkers and Associated-Drugs for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Bioinformatic Methods

“…Most of these drugs are used for controlling bleeding, suppressing cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition, and promoting blood coagulation. Meanwhile, vascular formation supplies nutrients to the tumor, which promotes development, metastasis and recurrence of the tumor (Wang et al 2016). Probably, these drugs could show anticancer effects by promoting blood coagulation or inhibiting vascular formation in cancers, which offer a novel idea for the treatment of ESCC.…”