The Blood Oxygenation T₂^*Values of Resectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas as Measured by 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Association with Tumor Stage

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the association between the blood oxygenation T2* values of resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) and tumor stages.Materials and MethodsThis study included 48 ESCC patients and 20 healthy participants who had undergone esophageal T2*-weighted imaging to obtain T2* values of the tumors and normal esophagi. ESCC patients underwent surgical resections less than one week after imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the association between T2* values of ESCCs and tumor stages.ResultsOne-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests revealed that the T2* value could differentiate stage T1 ESCCs (17.7 ± 3.3 ms) from stage T2 and T3 tumors (24.6 ± 2.7 ms and 27.8 ± 5.6 ms, respectively; all ps < 0.001). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis showed the suitable cutoff T2* value of 21.3 ms for either differentiation. The former statistical tests demonstrated that the T2* value could not differentiate between stages T2 and T3 (24.6 ± 2.7 ms vs. 27.8 ± 5.6 ms, respectively, p > 0.05) or between N stages (N1 vs. N2 vs. N3: 24.7 ± 6.9 ms vs. 25.4 ± 4.5 ms vs. 26.8 ± 3.9 ms, respectively; all ps > 0.05). The former tests illustrated that the T2* value could differentiate anatomic stages I and II (18.8 ± 4.8 ms and 26.9 ± 5.9 ms, respectively) or stages I and III (27.3 ± 3.6 ms). ROC analysis depicted the same cutoff T2* value of 21.3 ms for either differentiation. In addition, the Student's t test revealed that the T2* value could determine grouped T stages (T0 vs. T1–3: 17.0 ± 2.9 ms vs. 25.2 ± 6.2 ms; T0–1 vs. T2–3: 17.3 ± 3.0 ms vs. 27.1 ± 5.3 ms; and T0–2 vs. T3: 18.8 ± 4.2 ms vs. 27.8 ± 5.6 ms, all ps < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that the T2* value could detect ESCCs (cutoff, 20 ms), and discriminate between stages T0–1 and T2–3 (cutoff, 21.3 ms) and between T0–2 and T3 (cutoff, 20.4 ms).ConclusionThe T2* value can be an additional quantitative indicator for detecting ESCC except for stage T1 cancer, and can preoperatively discriminate between some T stages and between anatomic stages of this tumor.

Quantitative T2*-Weighted Imaging and Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Rectal Cancer: Correlation of R2* and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient With Histopathological Prognostic Factors

“…On the other hand, T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI), a multi-echo gradient-echo sequence, requires a magnetic field with high uniformity, which is helpful for improvement of detection of small lesions with comparatively high resolution ( 19 ). Besides, the time needed for T2*WI scanning is short and it is very convenient to perform analysis of images on the post-processing workstation.…”

Age of Data in Contemporary Research Articles Published in Representative General Radiology Journals

“…In total, 50 KJR (9101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354565758), 492 ER, and 254 Radiology articles reported original research studies analyzing patient data. Of these, 44 (88%; 95% CI: 75.8–94.8%) (910121314151617181920212324262728293031323435363738394041424344474849505152535455565758), 359 (73%; 95% CI: 68.9–76.7%), and 211 (83.1%; 95% CI: 78–87.2%) articles, respectively, revealed the start and end of data collection to the level of calendar month.…”

“…Of these, 44 (88%; 95% CI: 75.8–94.8%) (910121314151617181920212324262728293031323435363738394041424344474849505152535455565758), 359 (73%; 95% CI: 68.9–76.7%), and 211 (83.1%; 95% CI: 78–87.2%) articles, respectively, revealed the start and end of data collection to the level of calendar month. The point estimate value of this proportion was slightly larger in KJR than in ER and Radiology, although the difference was not statistically significant.…”

An Esophagogram or Tracheobronchogram? A Review of Barium Sulfate Aspiration

“… 31 Ultrasonography, endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography-computed tomography can be used as an alternative diagnostic technique. 32 - 37 Second, in cases where contrast evaluation is necessary, some other lung-friendly contrast agents like iopydol, hytrast, and iodixanol can be considered. 12 , 19 , 38 , 39 Last, proper posturing and maneuvers, for example, rotating the head while lying on the side and chin touching the neck during barium swallow, can prevent aspiration of barium sulfate.…”