Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging and MR Spectroscopy in the Assessment of Tumor Grade and Depth of Myometrial Invasion in Malignant Endometrial Tumors

Mayumi Takeuchi¹, Kenji Matsuzaki¹, Masafumi Harada¹

We evaluated the relationship between MR biomarkers (ADC value on DWI and metabolite concentration on MRS), and prognostic factors (tumor grade and depth of myometrial invasion) of 56 malignant endometrial tumors including 39 low grade tumors and 17 high grade tumors. There was no statistically significant difference in ADC values and choline concentration between tumor grades, or depth of myometrial invasion. Necrosis-associated lipid peak is observed in all 17 high grade tumors (100%) but in 17 of 39 low grade tumors (44%). It may be suggested that no lipid peak is suggestive for relatively low grade endometrial tumors.