Correlation between spiral CT perfusion imaging and tumor angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma

Objective To investigate the correlation of CT perfusion parameters with tumor microvessel density(MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Methods The study included 39 cases of RCC proven histopathologically.Target-slice perfusion scanning was performed for all patients.The time-density curves were generated with measurement of relevant parameters including: relative blood volume(rBV),blood flow(BF),peak enhancement(PE),time to peak(TTP).Histopathological slides were carefully prepared for the standard F8RA immunohistochemical staining and tumor MVD,VEGF.Results ①There were significant differences for BF,BV and PE between different tumor cell grades,renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cortex.There was no significant association for TTP between different tumor cell grades,renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cortex.②There were significant differences for MVD between different tumor cell grades,renal cell carcinoma and normal renal cortex.There was no significant association for VEGF between different tumor cell grades.③CT perfusion parameters,including BF,rBV,PE,had significant correlations with MVD of lesions.TTP had no correlation with MVD of lesions. There was no correlation between perfusion parameters and VEGF.Conclusion The CT perfusion parameters were related with tumor MVD,and could reflect the distribution characteristics of tumor microvessels within RCC lesions.CT perfusion scanning was a valuable means to assess the angiogenic activity and tumor vascularity in vivo for RCC patients,and was significant in the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma.