The Role of Diffusion-Weighted MRI in the Characterization of Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Tumors

Abstract

Background: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an important role in characterization of soft tissue tumors, yet, it lacks specificity for differentiation between the benign and malignant lesions. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to evaluate the ability of DW MRI in detection and characterization of the musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors. Patients and methods: this prospective study included 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) referred to MRI unit Ain shams University Hospital for MRI evaluation of musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors. Results: from 30 cases, 12 cases were benign (40%), 18 cases malignant (60%). From 12 cases of the benign, 8 cases were ≤ 40 years and 4 cases were > 40. From 18 cases of the malignant, 7 cases were ≤ 40 and 11 cases > 40. Ranging of ADC value of benign tumors (1.72-2.58); mean ADC (2.21 ´ 10-3 mm2/sec). Ranging of ADC value of malignant tumors was 0.52-1.82. Mean ADC value was 0.90 ´ 10-3 mm2/sec. Cut-off ADC value ≤ 1.14 less than 1.14 was benign and more than 1.14 was malignant; sensitivity 94.4% and specificity 91.7%. Conclusion: DWI with ADC mapping and measurement of ADC value proved to be a valuable non –invasive tool in differentiating between benign and malignant musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors. Recommendations: a larger population for future studies is needed. Thus, histopathologic work up is required for reliable characterization of soft tissue tumors (4).