Semiquantitative and Quantitative Analyses of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Thyroid Nodules

Objective This study was aimed to determine the utility of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating benign and malignant lesions in patients with known thyroid gland lesions scheduled for resection. Methods Patients scheduled for resection of a thyroid mass were prospectively enrolled. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the neck were performed before surgery. After resection, patients were divided into benign and malignant groups. Quantitative and semiquantitative MRI kinetic measurements of benign and malignant lesions were compared and analyzed. Results Twelve benign and 9 malignant lesions were identified in 19 patients. Mean K-trans, V-e, and K-ep for benign lesions were 1.69 1.59 min(-1), 0.44 +/- 0.21 min(-1), and 4.51 +/- 2.96 min(-1), respectively; for the malignant lesions, 0.96 +/- 0.57 min(-1), 0.45 +/- 0.19 min(-1), and 3.57 +/- 3.53 min(-1), respectively (P = 0.1886, 0.8036, and 0.3028, respectively). T-peak, ERmax, slope(max), and iAUGC60 for benign lesions were 7.00 +/- 8.09 seconds, 293.27 +/- 141.25 seconds, 76.45 +/- 65.80 seconds, and 63.46 +/- 46.84, respectively; for malignant lesions, 8.11 +/- 8.55 seconds, 227.6 +/- 113.37 seconds, 81.17 +/- 109.71 seconds, and 43.69 +/- 26.19, respectively (P = 0.7525, 0.4941, 0.4474, and 0.3028, respectively). Conclusions Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI pattern of kinetics was not significantly different for benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid using quantitative or semiquantitative methods.