MR-Diffusion characteristics of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis and its role in differentiating cerebral alveolar echinococcosis from metastases

Abstract

BackgroundAlmost all of the cases of cerebral alveolar echinococcos are showed T2WI hypointensity, with “coal-like” changes; as multiple and T2WI hypointensity of nodular lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging findings were also observed in other lesions like metastases. PurposeTo study the MR Diffusion-weighted imaging characteristics of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis and its role in differentiating cerebral alveolar echinococcosis from metastases. Material and methodsA total of thirty-two cerebral alveolar echinococcosis (CAE) and metastases (16 CAE and 16 metastases) were evaluated by conventional and diffusion MRI, respectively. The mean of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and exponential apparent diffusion coefficient (eADC) values from the determined ROI of the solid region, the peripheral edema and control group were calculated. ResultsA total of thirty-two cerebral alveolar echinococcosis (CAE) and brain metastases (BM) (16 CAE and 16 metastases) were nodular lesions. The results showed that in solid regions, the mean ADC values of CAE (1.17 ± 0.06) were higher than BM (0.90 ± 0.07) lesions, while the mean eADC values were lower (CAE 0.31 ± 0.02, BM 0.41 ± 0.03). In the peripheral edematous region, the mean ADC values of CAE were higher than BM lesions, but there were no significant difference, whereas, the mean eADC values were opposite. ConclusionDiffusion MR is a useful tool for the assessment of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis and can help differentiate them from metastases. It also has a potential role in monitoring therapy and early detection of drug resistance.