Equivalent cross-relaxation rate imaging positively correlates with pathological grade and cell density of adipocytic tumors

Abstract Objective Equivalent cross-relaxation rate imaging (ECRI) is an MRI technique used to evaluate qualitative changes in protein-water interactions. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the utility of ECRI for classification of adipocytic tumors. Materials and Methods Institutional Review Board approval was obtained and all patients provided informed consent. Study participants included 40 patients with adipocytic tumors who were diagnosed with lipomas (n = 22), atypical lipomatous tissue/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL; n = 9), myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (MyL; n = 6), and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL; n = 3), and 20 control patients for whom subcutaneous fat in the buttock or thigh was analyzed. Results Mean ECR values of lipomas, ALT/WDL, and subcutaneous fat were low, and those of MyL and DDL were high. Mean ECR values of MyL and DDL were significantly higher than those of ALT/WDL. The cut-off value was 5.1%. There was a positive correlation between ECR value, pathological grade, and cell density in adipocytic tumors. Conclusion The ECR value positively correlates with pathological grade and cell density of adipocytic tumors. Our findings suggest that ECRI is a useful method for preoperative evaluation of adipocytic tumors.