Feasibility of Amide Proton Transfer-weighted Imaging at 3T for Renal Masses: A Preliminary Study

Title:Feasibility of Amide Proton Transfer-weighted Imaging at 3T for Renal Masses: A Preliminary Study

Volume: 20

Author(s): Yun Xu, Qingxuan Wan, Xihui Ren, Yutao Jiang, Jing Yao, Peng WU, Aijun Shen*Peijun Wang*

Affiliation:

• Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
• Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China

• Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
• Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China

Keywords: Amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Renal masses, CT, Imaging kidney tissues.

Abstract:

Background: To investigate the optimal B_1,rms value of renal amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) images and the reproducibility of this value, and to explore the utility of APT imaging of renal masses and kidney tissues.

Methods: APTw images with different B_1,rms values were repeatedly recorded in 15 healthy volunteers to determine the optimal value. Two 4-point Likert scales (poor [1] to excellent [4]) were used to evaluate contour clarity and artifacts in masses and normal tissues. The APTw values of masses and normal tissues were then compared in evaluable images (contour clarity score > 1, artifacts score > 1). The APTw of malignant masses, normal tissues, and benign masses were calculated and compared with the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: The optimal scanning parameter of B_1,rms was 2 μT, and the APTw images had good agreement in the volunteers. Our study of APTw imaging examined 70 renal masses (13 benign, 57 malignant) and 49 normal kidneys (including those from 15 healthy volunteers). The mean APTw value for renal malignant masses (2.28(1.55)) was different from that for benign masses (0.91(1.30)) (P<0.001), renal cortex (1.30 (1.25)) (P<0.001), renal medulla (1.64 (1.33)) (P<0.05), and renal pelvis (5.49 (2.65)) (P<0.001).

Conclusion: These preliminary data demonstrate that APTw imaging of the kidneys has potential use as an imaging biomarker for the differentiation of normal tissues, malignant masses, and benign masses.

Cite this article as:

Xu Yun, Wan Qingxuan, Ren Xihui, Jiang Yutao, Yao Jing, WU Peng, Shen Aijun*, Wang Peijun*, Feasibility of Amide Proton Transfer-weighted Imaging at 3T for Renal Masses: A Preliminary Study, Current Medical Imaging 2024; 20 : e15734056284650 . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115734056284650240325044027