Time-dependent diffusion MRI for microstructural mapping to distinguish high-grade serous ovarian cancer and serous borderline ovarian tumor

Motivation: The intraoperative frozen sections have shortcomings in distinguishing between high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and serous borderline ovarian tumor (SBOT). Time-dependent diffusion MRI (td-dMRI) can depict the microstructural parameters of tumors and might play a role in preoperative differentiation of HGSOC from SBOT. Goal(s): To investigate the value of td-dMRI in discriminating HGSOC from SBOT. Approach: Td-dMRI uses the combination of oscillating gradient spin-echo (OGSE) and pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) sequences. Td-dMRI signals were fitted by the IMPULSED model, to extract microstructural parameters. The diagnostic performance was evaluated. Results: Microstructural parameters derived from td-dMRI had good diagnostic performance in differentiating HGSOC from SBOT. Impact: Time-dependent diffusion MRI can depict the microstructural parameters of tumors. It may further assist in preoperative diagnosis and treatment decision-making in clinical practice in the future.