T2 mapping as a predictor of nonperfused volume in MRgFUS treatment of desmoid tumors

Summary

The objective of this study was to develop an alternative method of non-contrast monitoring of tissue ablation during focused ultrasound treatment. Desmoid tumors are benign but locally aggressive soft tissue tumors that arise from fibroblast cells. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has emerged as an alternative to conventional therapies, showing promising results in reduction of tumor volume without significant side effects. The gold-standard assessment of the reduction of viable tumor volume post-treatment is non-perfused volume (NPV) and evaluation of NPV is typically performed with post-treatment gadolinium enhanced MR imaging. However, as gadolinium cannot be repeatedly administered during treatments, there is a need for alternative non-contrast monitoring of the tissue to prevent over and under treatment. Double-echo and multi-echo images were acquired before, during and after the MRgFUS treatment. T2 maps were generated with an exponential fit and T2 maps were compared to post-treatment post-contrast images. In all five MRgFUS treatment sessions, T2 mapping showed excellent qualitative agreement with the post-contrast NPV. T2 mapping may be used to visualize the extent of ablation with focused ultrasound and can be used as a predictor of NPV prior to the administration of contrast during the post-treatment assessment.