Open Access7‐Tesla MR imaging of non‐melanoma skin cancer samples: correlation with histopathology
Author(s) -
Aubry Sébastien,
Leclerc Olga,
Tremblay Luc,
Rizcallah Edmond,
Croteau Frédéric,
Orfali Charles,
Lepage Martin
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00587.x
Subject(s) - histopathology , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear medicine , dermis , pathology , radiology
Purpose The aims of this study were to compare in vitro magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) characteristics of keratinocytic skin cancer assessed by a 7‐tesla ( T ) MRI with histopathology, and to describe MRI features of skin tumors. Methods This prospective study included 30 skin tumors treated by surgery. MR images of skin samples were acquired on a 7‐ T MR scanner using a fast spin‐echo T 2 ‐weighted and an isotropic 3 D gradient‐echo T 1 ‐weighted sequence. Length, width, Breslow index and margins of the lesions were measured. The presence or absence of the following was noted: healthy margins, ulceration of the dermis, in situ lesions, superficial and deep dermis involvement, subcutaneous involvement, superficial and intratumoral keratin. MR results were compared to histopathology. Results Interclass correlation coefficient ( ICC ) was very good for the evaluation of the width ( ICC = 0.86) and Breslow index ( ICC = 0.87). The ICC was good for the evaluation of the margins ( ICC = 0.70) but for length, ICC was lower ( ICC = 0.67). Mean bias between MRI and histopathology was inferior to 1 mm for width, Breslow index and margin. Conclusion In vitro 7‐ T MRI of keratinocytic skin cancer allows delineation of lesions with good correlation with histopathology. After in vivo confirmation it could have a diagnostic role regarding the delineation of surgical margins but its actual limitations prevent its practical adoption at this time.