Detection of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer on Biparametric MRI Using Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values (VI-RADS/ADC)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vesical Imaging-Reporting And Data System (VI-RADS) was proposed to detect muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of VI-RADS and additional value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values measured on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting MIBC. METHODS: A total of 176 patients undergoing MRI (multiparametric in 97 [55%] and biparametric in 79 [45%]) before transurethral resection of bladder tumor for primary bladder cancer were retrospectively identified. MRI findings were scored according to VI-RADS. The standardized tumor ADC (sT-ADC: tumor ADC/gluteus maximus ADC) was calculated and used to account for the incompatibility among different MRI protocols. The accuracy of VI-RADS, sT-ADC and their combination to detect MIBC was assessed using the AUC of the ROC curve. RESULTS: MIBC was pathologically confirmed in 46 patients (26%). AUC of VI-RADS to detect MIBC was 0.86. When cut-off of VI-RADS was set at≥3 and≥4, sensitivity/specificity were 78% /70% and 63% /96%, respectively. A lower sT-ADC (≤0.894) was significantly associated with muscle invasion (p < 0.01, AUC 0.79) with sensitivity 78% and specificity 79%. Combination of VI-RADS and sT-ADC improved the accuracy (AUC 0.94); sensitivity was 100% when VI-RADS≥3 or sT-ADC≤0.894 was considered positive, and specificity was 99% when VI-RADS≥4 and sT-ADC≤0.894 was considered positive. Incorporation of sT-ADC reduced under-staging of MIBC as VI-RADS < 3 by 100% and over-staging of non-MIBC as VI-RADS≥4 by 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of ADC values into VI-RADS improves accuracy to detect MIBC in primary bladder cancer patients.