The adjunctive role of diffusion and perfusion permeability-derived numeric data in differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors: accuracy assessment on a “pilot study”

Abstract Background Conventional magnetic resonance image (MRI) possesses no distinctive role between benign and malignant sinonasal masses, which has been a radiological, clinical and surgical question. Our study’s aim was to assess role of combined diffusion and perfusion by T1-weighed dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) in solving such a pivotal question, estimating accuracy of quantitative numeric data on limited low-standard machines. Results The prospective pilot study enrolled 30 sinonasal masses. The diffusion-derived apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and perfusion-derived quantitative numeric biomarkers showed significant differences between benign and malignant sinonasal masses. The numeric data were comparable to the literature based on higher standard machines. Conclusions Combined magnetic resonance image (MRI) weighed ADC and DCE perfusion imaging package is a useful in differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal masses and can be applied in lowest cost tertiary centers.