Can ultrasound in combination with Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification predict the entity of a parotic tumor?

Introduction:

The evaluation of parotid gland tumors pre-operatively is crucial for the correct surgical approach. VTIQ is a novel method used to evaluate the density of tissue and may help identify malignant tumors preoperatively. The aim of this study is to improve the determination of dignity preoperatively by using ultrasound in combination with VTIQ.

Material and Methods:

Between January 1st and October 31st 2018, 108 patients were enrolled in a prospective study. Preoperative ultrasound in combination with VTIQ was compared with histological results following surgical resection. Univariate logistic regression models were employed to determine the relationship between ultrasonographic findings and dignity. Additionally the percentage of tumor area with shear wave velocity > 6 m/s and < 3,5 m/s was compared.

Results:

Out of 108 patients included in this study sixteen were diagnosed with malignant tumors. Ill-defined margins on sonography were associated with higher risk for malignancy (OR 57, 95% CI 11 – 290) as was an area of greater than 75% of shear wave velocity > 6 m/s (OR 52, 95% CI 5 – 541). If VTIQ could not be measured in the solid parts of a tumor, risk of malignancy was increased 7.3 fold (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2 – 26). Benignant tumors had a lower shear wave velocity. All regression models were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Discussion:

Higher shear wave velocities and stiffer tissue were strongly associated with malignant dignity. The variation between minimal and maximal shear wave velocity was less pronounced in benign compared to malignant tumors. B-mode sonography in combination with VTIQ provides additional information about the entity of a parotid tumor allowing for perioperative procedure optimization.

Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
23. April 2019 (online)