[Tumor vascularization: contribution of Doppler ultrasonography]

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Doppler sonography in quantifying tumor vascularization and in determining hemodynamic parameters by spectral analysis.

Materials and methods: A total of 100 malignant tumors of different histologic types, were prospectively studied with spectral, color-coded and power Doppler sonography (Toshiba 140 A with 3.75 and 7.5 MHz probes). Internal or peripheral vascularization was scored from 0 (absence of color flow) to +3 (numerous vessels inside and/or beside the mass). Three parameters were calculated for each arterial waveform recorded: the peak systolic velocity (PSV, n = 84), the resistive index (RI, n = 130) and the pulsatility index (PI, n = 115).

Results: Tumoral vascularization was scored 0 in 13 cases, + in 39 cases, +2 in 29 cases and +3 in 19 cases. The mean value of the PSV was about 0.30 m/s. RI values ranged from 0.35 to 1 (mean = 0.63). PI values were < 1 in 28 cases and > 2 in 15 cases (mean = 1.68).

Conclusion: Our results confirm the wide variability in tumor vascularization and in hemodynamic parameters values in malignant tumors.