Hydrogen MR spectroscopy of neck masses

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of MR spectroscopy in differentiation between benign and malignant neck masses.Materials and methodsThirty-two patients having neck masses underwent routine MRI of the neck as well as Hydrogen 1 (1H) MR spectroscopy with echo time of 270 ms at 1.5 T. Peak amplitudes of choline (Cho) & creatine (Cr) for each lesion as well as normal appearing muscle of the neck were obtained. Results were compared by using a nonparametric t test.ResultsThirty-two lesions were included (14 benign) & (18 malignant). Mean value (±standard deviation) was 4.42 ± 0.83 for malignant tumors and 1.93 ± 0.74 for benign tumors. Also spectra were obtained from normal appearing muscles with average Cho/Cr ratio 1.59 ± 0.49. Differences were significant between benign & malignant tumors as well as between malignant tumors & normal appearing muscles (p value < 0.001). No significant difference could be detected between benign tumors & normal appearing muscles (p value = 0.91).ConclusionMR spectroscopy should be used in the future as a complementary method to routine MRI to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.