Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of diffusion weight MRI (DWI) in the characterization of hepatic focal lesions by using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Thirty patients (18 women, 12 men; mean age 48.5 years) with hepatic focal lesions were included in this study. Patients underwent DW MR imaging with the SPLICE sequence. ADC of each focal lesion carcinoma was calculated from DW MR Images obtained with low and high b values. ADCs were compared among pathological types of focal lesions.ResultsAmong the 30 patients included in the study, 46 focal lesions were detected. Twenty-four lesions were metastatic lesions from primary cancer, 7 lesions were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 9 lesions were hemangiomas, and 6 lesions were simple cysts. There was highly significant difference between the mean ADC of the malignant lesions (metastasis and HCC) and the mean ADC of benign lesions (hemangiomas and cysts). The ADC of malignant lesion was much less than that of benign lesion. The mean ADC of malignant lesions (n = 31) was 0.73 ± 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s, and the mean ADC of benign lesions (n = 15) was 1.94 ± 0.68 × 10−3 mm2/s (p value < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the cysts and hemangiomas. There was no statistically significant difference between the metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma.ConclusionADCs values were able to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. ADC should be considered in the work up of patients with hepatic focal lesions.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of diffusion weight Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (DWI) in the characterization of hepatic focal lesions by using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
Many cancer patients may coincidently have benign liver focal lesions that are confused for metastasis or primary liver malignancy [1]
As regards the size of the lesions, 8 lesions were measured as 0.5–1 cm, 9 lesions were measured as 1.1–2 cm, 21 lesions were measured as 2.1–5 cm, 6 lesions were measured as 5.1–10 cm, and only 2 lesions were measured as more than 10 cm (Table 1)
Summary
The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of diffusion weight MRI (DWI) in the characterization of hepatic focal lesions by using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Thirty patients (18 women, 12 men; mean age 48.5 years) with hepatic focal lesions were included in this study. Liver masses have currently been recognized and gained great attention. Most of these masses are known to be benign. Many cancer patients may coincidently have benign liver focal lesions that are confused for metastasis or primary liver malignancy [1]. The precise characterization of hepatic focal lesions is crucial for the diagnosis and management of patients [2], and accurate evaluation is essential to avoid unnecessary and incorrect intervention or treatment [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
