Correlation of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI derived volume transfer constant with histological angiogenic markers in high‐grade gliomas

To ascertain if the volume transfer constant ( K trans ) derived from T1 dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging ( DCE ‐ MRI ) correlates with the immunohistological markers of angiogenesis in high‐grade gliomas. Methods Fifty‐one image‐guided biopsy specimens in 34 patients with newly presenting high‐grade gliomas (grade III  = 16; grade IV  = 18) underwent preoperative imaging (conventional imaging and T1 DCE ‐ MRI ). We correlated vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) expression and the microvessel density ( MVD ) of MRI ‐guided biopsy specimens with the corresponding DCE ‐derived K trans . Histological sections were stained with VEGF and CD 34, and examined under light microscopy. These histological and molecular markers of angiogenesis were correlated with the K trans of the region of interest corresponding to the biopsy specimen. Results The K trans showed a significant positive correlation with VEGF expression ( ρ  = 0.582, P  =   0.001) but not with MVD stained with CD 34 antibody ( ρ  = 0.328, P  =   0.072). Conclusion The K trans derived from DCE ‐ MRI can reflect the VEGF expression of high‐grade gliomas but not the MVD .