Is diffusion weighted imaging adding value in diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions? Experience in 50 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) offers molecular information that complements the morphologic information obtained with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can reflect the functions and structures of the body without trauma.
Aim of the work: To assess the role of DWI as a routine sequence in a MRI study to help in differentiating liver lesions.
Patients and methods: The study included 50 patients referred to do a MRI study to diagnose and/or to confirm the ultrasonographic or CT findings of focal hepatic lesions. The examination was done on 1.5T superconducting magnet MRI machines; Philips Gyroscan Intera version 12.1.1.2 (Best, The Netherlands) and Siemens Magnetom Avanto (Erlangen, Germany) machine.
Results: All studied patients had a focal hepatic lesion either on top of cirrhotic liver or non cirrhotic liver. DWI was found to be helpful with the routine MRI sequences to reach the diagnosis. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination or follow up. A cutoff value of ADC for benign lesions was found to be 1.25 x 10³ mm²/s.
Conclusions: DWI should be included as a basic sequence in the routine MRI study of the liver as it helps in diagnosis and so reaching a final diagnosis or at least trying to narrow the list of differential diagnosis.

KEYWORDS MRI; DWI; Diffusion restriction; Hepatic focal lesion