J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Nov;31(5):933-939.

An Experimental Study on the Role of Blood Vessels in the Formation of Peritumoral Abnormal MR Signal Intensity

• Han MC
• Kang HS
• Kim CW
• Kim JH
• Kim CW

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the role of blood vessels in the formation of peritumoral abnormal signal intensity which exaggerates the size of malignant tumor on MR images.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed MR-microangiographic-pathologic correlation using implanted VX-2 carcinoma in 16 rabbit thighs 1-28 days after tumor implantation. The shape and distribution of abnormal vessels were analyzed on microangiography and on histologic examination in correlation with peritumoral abnormal signal intensity on MR images.
RESULTS
Dilated peritumoral blood vessels gave rise to irregular, tortuous tumor vessels penetrated into the tumor. With the tumor growth, hypervascular tumor vessels in peritumoral area and central avascular areas were increased. These hypervascular areas on microangiography were corresponded with abnormal signal intensity on MR images.
CONCLUSION
Hypervascularity could be a cause of peritumoral abnormal signal intensity which exaggerates the size of experimentally induced malignant musculoskeletal tumors on MR images.

MeSH Terms

Blood Vessels*
Thigh