Correlation of VEGF expression and microvessel density with spiral CT manifestations of thymoma
AIM: To investigate the correlation of VEGF expres-sion and microvessel density ( MVD ) with spiral CT (SCT) manifestations of thymoma. METHODS: Eighty-four cases of thymoma received SCT examination, including the appearance and density of the tumors, relationship of the tumor margin with heart, large blood vessels and mediastinum. Forty of the 84 patients underwent enhanced CT. The expressions of VEGF and MVD in all the 84 cases were investigated immunohistochemically. The manifestations of CT findings were carefully reviewed and the correlation with the corresponding expressions of VEGF and MVD was analyzed. RESULTS: SCT images were enhanced with the increase of VEGF expression level and MVD counting(P<0.01). Significant correlation was observed between VEGF expression, MVD counting and some thymoma signs, including lobular contours, cusp angle-like/sawtooth-like margins and the tumoral invasions to pleural membrane, pericardium and great vessels (P<0.05), while no correlation was observed with mediastinal fat line, size and density of the tumor, and lung metastasis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: SCT imaging is correlated with the expression of VEGF and MVD and reflects the pathological char-actedstics of thymoma, which is a good noninvasive measure for clinical evaluation of thymoma.
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
维普
