Correlation between IVIM parameters and microvessel architecture: direct comparison of MRI images and pathological slices in an orthotopic murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma

Objective This study aimed to explore the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and microvessel architecture (microvessel density (MVD), vasculogenic mimicry (VM), and pericyte coverage index (PCI)) in an orthotopic murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods The murine model was established by injecting rhabdomyosarcoma-derived (RD) cells into the muscle. Nude mice underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IVIM examinations with ten b values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 2000 s/mm 2 ). D , D*, and f values were calculated with the ADW4.7 workstation. MRI images and pathological slices were directly compared to ensure that radiology parameters accurately reflect pathology. MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity were obtained by histological analysis. The correlations were assessed between IVIM parameters ( D , D *, f , and fD * values) and pathological markers (MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity). Results The average of D , D *, f , and fD * values were 0.55 ± 0.07 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, 5.25 ± 0.73 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, 13.39 ± 7.68%, and 0.73 ± 0.49 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, respectively. The average of MVD, VM, PCI, and cellularity were 41.91 ± 10.98, 1.16 ± 0.83, 0.49 ± 0.18, and 39.15 ± 9.00%. D *, f , and fD * values showed a positive correlation with MVD separately, while the D value did not correlate with MVD. D value negatively correlated to VM moderately, and other parameters did not associate with VM. D * and fD * values were positively correlated with PCI, but no correlation was observed between other parameters and PCI. Conclusions IVIM may evaluate the tumor microvessel architecture. D* , f , and fD * may reflect the endothelial lining blood vessel; D could indirectly reflect the VM; D * and fD * could reflect PCI(the normal degree of the tumor blood vessel). Clinical relevance statement An intravoxel incoherent motion may be useful in assessing rhabdomyosarcoma microvessel structure to predict the target and effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapy. Key Points • IVIM may be used to evaluate the tumor microvessel architecture in the mouse rhabdomyosarcoma model. • The MRI-pathology control method achieves correspondence between MRI slices and pathology slices, which ensures the consistency of the ROI of MRI and the pathology observation region.