|
1
|
Su S, Yadu N, Khatri G, Khasawneh H, Pedrosa I, Yokoo T. An algorithmic approach to MR characterization of focal liver lesions in adults without cirrhosis. Eur J Radiol 2025; 185:112001. [PMID: 39978238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025]
Abstract
Diagnosing both known and incidental liver lesions in the non-cirrhotic liver on MRI can be challenging. The radiologist can often narrow the diagnosis toward a diagnostic category using various sequences. Using an organized framework to guide the reader's differential diagnosis can be helpful. We present a sequential approach to the diagnosis of focal liver lesions, by first assessing background liver parenchymal signal intensity, then comparing the T1-weighted signal intensity of the reference organ(s), followed by comparing the T2-weighted signal intensity characteristics of lesion to fluid/spleen, and finally confirming using additional sequences including dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, hepatobiliary imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, as well as clinical and laboratory testing and additional modalities. Using this stepwise framework can sequentially guide the reader toward a diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Su
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Neha Yadu
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Gaurav Khatri
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Hala Khasawneh
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Ivan Pedrosa
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Varigonda M, Yarlagadda J, Chetana Naga Sai T, Patnaik S, Bhrugumalla S, Gunturi SRV. The Role of Diffusion-Weighted MRI in Correlation with Contrast-Enhanced MRI and Histopathology in the Evaluation of Focal Liver Lesions. Cureus 2024; 16:e71261. [PMID: 39525143 PMCID: PMC11550781 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accurate diagnosis of focal liver lesions is of utmost importance for the initiation of appropriate treatment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing focal liver lesions, specifically focusing on differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, distinguishing metastases from primary liver tumors, and identifying various types of both benign and malignant lesions.. METHODS The study design is that of a prospective observational study done on 28 cases with focal liver lesions detected on ultrasound. DWI was done followed by contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI). Identification of the lesion on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map was made by using the CE-MRI images as a guide. The signal intensity of the lesion on DWI is determined as either diffusion restriction or no restriction. ADC measurements were made quantitatively over various regions of interest (ROIs) of the focal liver lesion. All the lesions were confirmed by histopathological examination (HPE) except few benign lesions like simple cysts and few hemangiomas, which were followed up by ultrasonography after six months. RESULTS Our study included 28 patients with 44 focal liver lesions. Out of 28 patients in this study group (n=28), there were a total of 17 male and 11 female patients. The mean age of the sample population was 50.89±13.40 years. The lesions were more commonly seen is the age group of 41-60 years (57.14%). Out of 44 lesions (n), 24 (54.5%) lesions were benign , 20 (45.45%) were malignant. There were 17 hemangiomas (38.6%), 2 hematomas (4.5%), 2 simple cysts (4.5%), 1 hydatid cyst (2.27%), 2 hepatic adenomas (4.5%), 16 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (36.36%), 3 cholangiocarcinoma (6.8%), and 1 hepatoblastoma (2.27%). DWI has 85% sensitivity and 84.7% specificity for the differentiation of benign from malignant lesions. The mean ADC value of benign lesions was 1.83x10-3 mm2/s and the mean ADC of malignant liver lesions was 0.96x10-3 mm2/s. In the present study, the average cut off of mean ADC to differentiate benign and malignant bone lesions is 1.3x10-3 mm2/s, with statistically significant p value of 0.001, sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 83.3%. CONCLUSION DWI is a valuable imaging technique in the evaluation of focal liver lesions. The ability to differentiate between benign and malignant liver lesions without the need for contrast is a significant benefit, particularly in challenging cases involving uncooperative patients or when contrast administration is contraindicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sujata Patnaik
- Radiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, IND
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Rybczynska DN, Markiet KE, Pienkowska JM, Szurowska E, Frydrychowski A. To assess the quantitative features of focal liver lesions in gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI and to determine whether these features can accurately differentiate benign form malignant lesions. Eur J Radiol 2024; 171:111288. [PMID: 38194844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims at assessing the quantitative features which distinguish focal liver lesions (FLLs) in gadoxetic acid (GA) enhanced liver MRI and at determining whether these features can accurately differentiate benign from malignant lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS 107 patients with 180 unequivocal FLLs in previous examinations were included in a single-center retrospective study. All patients underwent a MRI test of the liver with GA. 99 benign and 74 malignant lesions were included. The group of benign lesions consisted of 60 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNH), 22 hemangiomas (HMG), 6 hepatic adenomas (HA), and 11 other benign lesions (1 angiomyolipioma, 6 lesions histopathology diagnoses as benign without further specification, or ones lacking features of malignancy, and 4 lesions radiologically diagnosed as benign which remained stable in the follow-up studies). The group of malignant lesions consisted of primary 51 hepatocellular carcinomas, 12 metastases, and 11 metastases from melanoma malignum (MM meta). 7 FLLs were excluded (4 cases of uncertain histopathological diagnosis, 2 cholangiocarcinomas, and 1 regenerative nodule). For the included lesions ROI (region of interest) measurements were taken by two observers in the T2-w, ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) and in the T1-w sequence in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP). The interobserver agreement was evaluated with the Wilcoxon test. The Kruskal - Wallis, Mann - Whitney U and post hoc Dunn's tests were applied to assess if there were any significant differences in the ROI values between individual lesions. The variables with the p values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS We found significant differences in the ROI values between lesions with p < 0.0001. Strikingly high ROI values in the T2-w sequence were found for HMG. The lowest ADC values were encountered for metastases and MM metastases. The highest ROI values in the HBP were found for FNH, and the lowest for metastases. We also found statistically significant differences in the ROI values between benign and malignant lesions with benign lesions presenting statistically higher ROI values compared to malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences in the ROI values among different types of FLLs. The predominant quantitative feature in the T2-w sequence was a strikingly high ROI value for HMG. Benign lesions presented statistically higher ROI values in the T2-w, ADC, and HBP sequences compared to malignant lesions. This was true for all lesions except for HA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota N Rybczynska
- 2(nd) Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; Institute of Human Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Karolina E Markiet
- 2(nd) Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Joanna M Pienkowska
- 2(nd) Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Edyta Szurowska
- 2(nd) Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Cheung ALY, Zhang L, Liu C, Li T, Cheung AHY, Leung C, Leung AKC, Lam SK, Lee VHF, Cai J. Evaluation of Multisource Adaptive MRI Fusion for Gross Tumor Volume Delineation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:816678. [PMID: 35280780 PMCID: PMC8913492 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.816678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tumor delineation plays a critical role in radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The incorporation of MRI might improve the ability to correctly identify tumor boundaries and delineation consistency. In this study, we evaluated a novel Multisource Adaptive MRI Fusion (MAMF) method in HCC patients for tumor delineation. Methods Ten patients with HCC were included in this study retrospectively. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI at portal-venous phase (T1WPP), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI at 19-min delayed phase (T1WDP), T2-weighted (T2W), and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) were acquired on a 3T MRI scanner and imported to in-house-developed MAMF software to generate synthetic MR fusion images. The original multi-contrast MR image sets were registered to planning CT by deformable image registration (DIR) using MIM. Four observers independently delineated gross tumor volumes (GTVs) on the planning CT, four original MR image sets, and the fused MRI for all patients. Tumor contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the GTVs between each observer and a reference observer were measured on the six image sets. Inter-observer and inter-patient mean, SD, and coefficient of variation (CV) of the DSC were evaluated. Results Fused MRI showed the highest tumor CNR compared to planning CT and original MR sets in the ten patients. The mean ± SD tumor CNR was 0.72 ± 0.73, 3.66 ± 2.96, 4.13 ± 3.98, 4.10 ± 3.17, 5.25 ± 2.44, and 9.82 ± 4.19 for CT, T1WPP, T2W, DWI, T1WDP, and fused MRI, respectively. Fused MRI has the minimum inter-observer and inter-patient variations as compared to original MR sets and planning CT sets. GTV delineation inter-observer mean DSC across the ten patients was 0.81 ± 0.09, 0.85 ± 0.08, 0.88 ± 0.04, 0.89 ± 0.08, 0.90 ± 0.04, and 0.95 ± 0.02 for planning CT, T1WPP, T2W, DWI, T1WDP, and fused MRI, respectively. The patient mean inter-observer CV of DSC was 3.3%, 3.2%, 1.7%, 2.6%, 1.5%, and 0.9% for planning CT, T1WPP, T2W, DWI, T1WDP, and fused MRI, respectively. Conclusion The results demonstrated that the fused MRI generated using the MAMF method can enhance tumor CNR and improve inter-observer consistency of GTV delineation in HCC as compared to planning CT and four commonly used MR image sets (T1WPP, T1WDP, T2W, and DWI). The MAMF method holds great promise in MRI applications in HCC radiotherapy treatment planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Lai-Yin Cheung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Medical Physics Graduate Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Medical Physics Graduate Program, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anson Ho-Yin Cheung
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Leung
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Sai-Kit Lam
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Li J, Ma C, Chen Y, Fu C, Wang X, Kuehn B, Yang Q, Lu J. The Feasibility of a Fast Liver MRI Protocol for Lesion Detection of Adults at 3.0-T. Front Oncol 2021; 11:586343. [PMID: 34422623 PMCID: PMC8371706 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.586343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of a fast liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for lesion detection in adults using 3.0-T MRI. METHODS A fast liver MRI exam protocol was proposed. The protocol included motion-resistant coronal T2-w sequence, axial T2-w fast spin echo sequence with fat suppression, axial in-op phase gradient recalled echo (GRE) T1, axial diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and axial contrast-enhanced T1 sequences. To evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the proposed protocol, 31 consecutive patients (20 males and 11 females; mean age, 53.2 years) underwent a liver MRI exam with conventional sequences, including the proposed protocol as a subset. Images from the conventional protocol and extracted abbreviated protocol were independently read, and the diagnostic concordance rate was assessed for each patient. The concordance analysis is presented as the proportion of concordant cases between the two protocols. RESULTS The net measurement time of the fast liver MRI protocol without adjustment and waiting time were 4 min and 28 s. In the 31 patients included in this study, 139 suspicious findings were found from both the conventional liver MR protocol and the fast liver MRI protocol. The diagnostic concordance rate was 96.4%. CONCLUSIONS The fast liver MRI protocol is feasible at 3.0-T, with a shorter exam time and high diagnostic concordance compared to the conventional liver MRI workflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yukun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Fu
- Application Developments, Siemens Shenzhen Magnetic Resonance Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bernd Kuehn
- Oncology Applications Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Qingsong Yang
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital of Shanghai, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Nalaini F, Shahbazi F, Mousavinezhad SM, Ansari A, Salehi M. Diagnostic accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in differentiating malignant from benign solid liver lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:20210059. [PMID: 34111960 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived by diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI in the characterization of solid benign and malignant liver lesions, and to assess their value in discriminating these lesions in daily routine practice. METHODS A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to retrieve studies that used ADC values for differentiating solid benign/dysplastic nodules and malignant liver lesions. A bivariate random-effects model with pooled sensitivity and specificity values with 95% CI (confidence interval) was used. This meta-analysis was performed on the per-lesion basis. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plot and area under curve (AUC) were created. RESULTS A total of 14 original articles were retrieved. The combined (95% CI) sensitivity and specificity of mean ADC values for differentiating solid benign from malignant lesions were 78% (67-86%) and 74% (64-81%), respectively. The pooled (95% CI) positive and negative LRs were respectively 3 (2.3-3.8) and 0.3 (0.21-0.43). The DOR (95% CI) was 10 (7-15). The AUC (95% CI) of the SROC plot was 82% (78-85%). Reporting bias was negligible (p value of regression test = 0.36). Mean size of malignant lesions and breathing pattern of MRI were found to be sources of heterogeneity of pooled sensitivity. CONCLUSION ADC measurement independently may not be an optimal diagnostic imaging method for differentiating solid malignant from solid benign hepatic lesions. The meta-analysis showed that ADC measurement had moderate diagnostic accuracy for characterizing solid liver lesions. Further prospective and comparative studies with pre-specified ADC thresholds could be performed to investigate the best MRI protocol and ADC threshold for characterizing solid liver lesions. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE ADC measurement by DW-MRI does not have a good diagnostic performance to differentiate solid malignant from solid benign lesions. Therefore, we suggest not using ADC values in clinical practice to evaluate solid liver lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Nalaini
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shahbazi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Ansari
- Department of Mathematics, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadgharib Salehi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Erdoğan H, Arslan S, Durmaz MS. Hepatoselüler Karsinom ve Diğer Karaciğer Tümörlerinin Ayrımında Difüzyon Ağırlıklı Manyetik Rezonans Görüntülemenin Etkinliği. DICLE MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.5798/dicletip.661288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
|
8
|
Diffusion Kurtosis MR Imaging versus Conventional Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Distinguishing Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Benign Hepatic Nodules. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:2030147. [PMID: 31396023 PMCID: PMC6664697 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2030147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To assess the efficacy of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and compare DKI-derived parameters with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from benign hepatic nodules including focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hemangioma, and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). Materials and Methods 151 patients with 182 hepatic nodules (114 HCCs and 68 benign nodules including 33 FNHs, 29 hemangiomas, and 6 HCAs) were analyzed. Preoperative MRI examinations including DKI (b values: 0, 200, 500, 800, 1500, and 2000 sec/mm2) were performed, and kurtosis (K), diffusivity (D), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated. The efficacy of DKI-derived parameters K, D, and ADC for distinguishing HCC from these benign nodules was analyzed. Results ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis showed the optimal cutoff values of ADC, D, and K for identification of these benign nodules, and HCCs were 1.295 (area under the curve (AUC): 0.826; sensitivity 80.6%; specificity 70.8%), 1.787 (AUC: 0.770; sensitivity 83.6%; specificity 59.6%), and 1.002 (AUC: 0.761; sensitivity 65.5%; specificity 79.0%), respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in ADC, D, and K values between groups of HCC-FNH and HCC-hemangioma (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in K and ADC values between groups of FNH-hemangioma and HCA-hemangioma (P < 0.05), respectively. Using logistic regression analysis, a regression equation was obtained: Logit(P)=−1.982X1+1.385X3+1.948(X1: ADC; X3: K), and odds ratios (OR) were 0.138 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.052, 0.367), and 8.996 (95% CI: 0.970, 16.460), respectively. Conclusion Both ADC value and DKI-derived parameters K and D values have demonstrated a higher preoperative efficacy in distinguishing HCC from FNH, hemangioma, and HCA. No evidence was shown to suggest D or K value was superior to the ADC value.
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Kim SS, Kim SH, Song KD, Choi SY, Heo NH. Value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of hypervascular hyperplastic nodule from small (<3 cm) hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: A retrospective case-control study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 51:70-80. [PMID: 31062483 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypervascular hyperplastic nodules (HHNs) occasionally develop in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and show arterial enhancement, thus mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, HHN as a benign lesion should be distinguished from HCC. PURPOSE To evaluate the value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing HHN from small (<3 cm) hypervascular HCC (hHCC) in patients with ALC. STUDY TYPE Retrospective case-control study. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0T/in- and out-of-phase, T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted, apparent diffusion coefficient, and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced images. POPULATION Among 560 patients with ALC who underwent Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI, 12 patients with 28 HHNs and 22 patients with 29 hHCCs smaller than 3 cm were included. ASSESSMENT The following MRI features were evaluated by three independent radiologists: signal intensity (SI) on T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted, and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images; shape, homogeneity, and margin on HBP; diffusion restriction; intralesional fat; necrosis; hemorrhage; washout on portal venous phase (PVP) and/or transitional phase (TP); and capsular enhancement. Quantitative analysis was also conducted. STATISTICAL TESTS Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significant MRI findings, and their diagnostic performance for the prediction of HHN was analyzed. RESULTS Lesion size of ≤16 mm (odds ratio [OR], 24.41; P = 0.007), low-to-iso SI on DWI (OR, 26.92; P = 0.007), and absence of washout on PVP and/or TP (OR, 31.84; P = 0.009) were significant independent factors for predicting HHN. When all three criteria were satisfied, the specificity was 100%. Compared with hHCCs, HHNs showed significantly smaller size (mean, 13.8 mm vs. 19.9 mm; P < 0.001) and higher mean SI value (994.0 vs. 669.5) and lesion-to-liver SI ratio (1.045 vs. 0.806) on HBP (P < 0.001, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI may be helpful in differentiating HHN from small hHCC in patients with ALC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:70-80.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Doo Song
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seo-Youn Choi
- Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Nam Hun Heo
- Clinical Trial Center, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Pankaj Jain T, Kan WT, Edward S, Fernon H, Kansan Naider R. Evaluation of ADC ratio on liver MRI diffusion to discriminate benign versus malignant solid liver lesions. Eur J Radiol Open 2018; 5:209-214. [PMID: 30480057 PMCID: PMC6240802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this project is to investigate the usefulness of the absolute liver lesion ADC value and ratio of Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of a liver lesion and liver parenchyma to discriminate between a benign and malignant lesion. METHODS Liver MRI scans performed between January 2009 and June 2015 were retrospectively analysed. Scans were performed on either a 1.5 T or 3 T MRI unit. The type of liver lesion (benign or malignant) was determined by its radiological appearance, histology result and clinical management. Lesions with undetermined diagnosis or MRI studies degraded by artifacts were excluded. Liver cysts were also excluded from the analysis. ADC value of a lesion and liver parenchyma was measured and ADCratio was calculated. The values were analysed using independent samples t-test Results:Data set contained 39 benign lesions and 36 malignant lesions. Mean ADC value for benign lesions was 1678, and the mean value for malignant lesions was 1097 with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.001. All lesions with ADC value below 955 were malignant, while all lesions with ADC value above 1880 were benign. ADC value of 1260 was identified as the best available cut-off value for differentiating benign and malignant lesions, achieving sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 80% and an overall accuracy of 89%. The mean lesion to liver ADCratio for benign lesions was 1.3467 and for malignant lesions was 0.9038 with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.001. All lesions with ADCratio measuring <0.9 were malignant while lesions with ADCratio>1.5 were benign. ADCratio of 1.1 was identified statistically as the best available cut-off value for differentiating benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 86% and an overall accuracy of 92%. CONCLUSION Our dataset indicates that lesion to background liver ADCratio is superior in discriminating between benign and malignant focal lesions compared to absolute ADC values of the hepatic lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Pankaj Jain
- Universal Medical Imaging, 1/110 Giles street, Kingston, ACT 2604, Canada
- Medical Imaging Department, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2606, Australia
| | - Wen Ter Kan
- Medical Imaging Department, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2606, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sean Edward
- Medical Imaging Department, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2606, Australia
| | - Helen Fernon
- Universal Medical Imaging, 1/110 Giles street, Kingston, ACT 2604, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
|
11
|
Khorram FS, Faeghi F, Jafarisepehr A, Farshidfar Z. Evaluation of Respiratory Triggered Diffusion-Weighted MRI with Three b-Values Compared to ADC Map and Fast Spin Echo Heavily T2W in Differential Diagnosis of Hemangioma from Malignant Liver Lesions. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2018; 49:251-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
|
12
|
Stein D, Goldberg N, Domachevsky L, Bernstine H, Nidam M, Abadi-Korek I, Guindy M, Sosna J, Groshar D. Quantitative biomarkers for liver metastases: comparison of MRI diffusion-weighted imaging heterogeneity index and fluorine-18-fluoro-deoxyglucose standardised uptake value in hybrid PET/MR. Clin Radiol 2018; 73:832.e17-832.e22. [PMID: 29859634 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the ability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) heterogeneity index to discriminate liver metastases (LM) from normal-appearing liver (NAL) tissue as compared to common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics, and to investigate its correlation with 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) standardised uptake value (SUV). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-nine liver metastases in 24 oncology patients (13 women, 11 men; mean age 56±13 years) with proven LM from heterogeneous sources were evaluated on a PET/MRI system. Abdominal sequences included Dixon and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) protocols with simultaneous PET. Tissue heterogeneity was calculated using the coefficient of variance (CV) of the ADC, and compared in LM and in NAL tissue of the same volume in an adjacent portion of the liver. The correlations between various ADC measures and PET SUV in distinguishing LM from NAL were evaluated. RESULTS A good correlation was found between ADCcv and SUVpeak (r=0.712). Moderate inverse correlation was found between ADCmin and SUVpeak (r=-0.536), and a weak inverse correlation between ADCmean and SUVpeak (r=-0.273). There was a significant difference between LM and NAL when ADCcv (p<0.0001) and ADCmin (p=0.001) were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of SUV, ADCcv, ADCmin, and ADCmean produced an AUC of 0.989, 0.900, 0.742, and 0.623 respectively. CONCLUSIONS The ADCcv index is a potential biomarker of LM with better correlation to 18F-FDG PET SUVpeak than conventional MRI metrics, and may serve to quantitatively discriminate between LM and NAL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Stein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - N Goldberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - L Domachevsky
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - H Bernstine
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - M Nidam
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - I Abadi-Korek
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - M Guindy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - J Sosna
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Groshar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
|
13
|
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE Detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS Due to its excellent soft tissue contrast, the availability of liver-specific contrast agents and the possibility of functional imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for the evaluation of focal liver lesions. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) enables generation of functional information about the microstructure of a tissue besides morphological information. PERFORMANCE In the detection of focal liver lesions DWI shows a better detection rate compared to T2w sequences and a slightly poorer detection rate compared to dynamic T1w sequences. In principle, using DWI it is possible to distinguish malignant from benign liver lesions and also to detect a therapy response at an early stage. ACHIEVEMENTS For both detection and characterization of focal liver lesions, DWI represents a promising alternative to the morphological sequences; however, a more detailed characterization with the use of further sequences should be carried out particularly for the characterization of solid benign lesions. For the assessment and prognosis of therapy response, DWI offers advantages compared to morphological sequences. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS For the detection of focal liver lesions DWI is in principle sufficient. After visual detection of a solid liver lesion a more detailed characterization should be carried out using further sequences (in particular dynamic T1w sequences). The DWI procedure should be used for the assessment and prognosis of a therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Riffel
- Institut für Klinische Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | - S O Schoenberg
- Institut für Klinische Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Deutschland
| | - J Krammer
- Institut für Klinische Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
|
14
|
Caro-Domínguez P, Gupta AA, Chavhan GB. Can diffusion-weighted imaging distinguish between benign and malignant pediatric liver tumors? Pediatr Radiol 2018; 48:85-93. [PMID: 28921384 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-017-3984-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data on utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of pediatric liver lesions. OBJECTIVE To determine whether qualitative and quantitative DWI can be used to differentiate benign and malignant pediatric liver lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed MRIs in children with focal liver lesions to qualitatively evaluate lesions noting diffusion restriction, T2 shine-through, increased diffusion, hypointensity on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and intermediate signal on both, and to measure ADC values. Pathology confirmation or a combination of clinical, laboratory and imaging features, and follow-up was used to determine final diagnosis. RESULTS We included 112 focal hepatic lesions in 89 children (median age 11.5 years, 51 female), of which 92 lesions were benign and 20 malignant. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for both qualitative (kappa 0.8735) and quantitative (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.96) diffusion assessment. All malignant lesions showed diffusion restriction. Most benign lesions other than abscesses were not restricted. There was significant association of qualitative restriction with malignancy and non-restriction with benignancy (Fisher exact test P<0.0001). Mean normalized ADC values of malignant lesions (1.23x10-3 mm2/s) were lower than benign lesions (1.62x10-3 mm2/s; Student's t-test, P<0.015). However, there was significant overlap of ADC between benign and malignant lesions, with wide range for each diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63 for predicting malignancy using an ADC cut-off value of ≤1.20x10-3 mm2/s, yielding a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 54% for differentiating malignant from benign lesions. CONCLUSION Qualitative diffusion restriction in pediatric liver lesions is a good predictor of malignancy and can help to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, in conjunction with conventional MR sequences. Even though malignant lesions demonstrated significantly lower ADC values than benign lesions, the use of quantitative diffusion remains limited in its utility for distinguishing them because of the significant overlap and wide ranges of ADC values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Caro-Domínguez
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Abha A Gupta
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Govind B Chavhan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
|
15
|
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is increasingly incorporated into routine body magnetic resonance imaging protocols. DWI can assist with lesion detection and even in characterization. Quantitative DWI has exhibited promise in the discrimination between benign and malignant pathology, in the evaluation of the biologic aggressiveness, and in the assessment of the response to treatment. Unfortunately, inconsistencies in DWI acquisition parameters and analysis have hampered widespread clinical utilization. Focusing primarily on liver applications, this article will review the basic principles of quantitative DWI. In addition to standard mono-exponential fitting, the authors will discuss intravoxel incoherent motion and diffusion kurtosis imaging that involve more sophisticated approaches to diffusion quantification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myles T Taffel
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
16
|
Shenoy-Bhangle A, Baliyan V, Kordbacheh H, Guimaraes AR, Kambadakone A. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging of liver: Principles, clinical applications and recent updates. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1081-1091. [PMID: 28989564 PMCID: PMC5612839 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i26.1081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a functional imaging technique exploiting the Brownian motion of water molecules, is increasingly shown to have value in various oncological and non-oncological applications. Factors such as the ease of acquisition and ability to obtain functional information in the absence of intravenous contrast, especially in patients with abnormal renal function, have contributed to the growing interest in exploring clinical applications of DWI. In the liver, DWI demonstrates a gamut of clinical applications ranging from detecting focal liver lesions to monitoring response in patients undergoing serial follow-up after loco-regional and systemic therapies. DWI is also being applied in the evaluation of diffuse liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this review, we intend to review the basic principles, technique, current clinical applications and future trends of DW-MRI in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinit Baliyan
- Harvard Medical School, Abdominal Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Hamed Kordbacheh
- Harvard Medical School, Abdominal Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | | | - Avinash Kambadakone
- Harvard Medical School, Abdominal Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
|
17
|
Focal Liver Lesions Classification and Characterization: What Value Do DWI and ADC Have? J Comput Assist Tomogr 2017; 40:701-8. [PMID: 27454786 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to analyze the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the classification/characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs). METHODS Retrospective study, approved by ethical board, of 100 proven FLLs (20 hemangiomas, 20 focal nodular hyperplasia, 20 dysplastic nodules, 20 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 20 metastases) was performed by 1.5-T MR. For each lesion, 2 readers, blinded of medical history, have evaluated 6 sets of images: set A (T1/T2-weighted images), set B (set A + DWI), set C (set B + apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] map), set D (set A + dynamic and hepatobiliary phases), set E (set D + DWI), set F (set E + ADC map). RESULTS In unenhanced images, the evaluation of the ADC improves the accuracy in classification/characterization (+9%/14%, respectively), whereas in enhanced images the accuracy was increased by DWI (+7%/12%, respectively) and ADC (+13%/19%, respectively). Diffusion-weighted imaging does not improve classification/characterization of hemangiomas, may be useful in focal nodular hyperplasia/dysplastic nodules vs metastases/hepatocellular carcinoma differentiation, and increases the classification/characterization of metastases in both unenhanced and enhanced images. CONCLUSIONS Diffusion-weighted imaging may improve classification/characterization of FLLs at unenhanced/enhanced examinations.
Collapse
|
|
18
|
The role of apparent diffusion coefficient values in characterization of solid focal liver lesions: a prospective and comparative clinical study. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:16-22. [PMID: 28078512 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated and compared the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values with that of lesion-to-liver ADC ratios in the characterization of solid focal liver lesions (FLLs). This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Board, after waiving written informed consent. Diffusion-weighted imaging and other routine magnetic resonance imaging were performed on 142 consecutive patients with suspected liver disease. The mean ADC values and lesion-to-liver ADC ratios were compared between benign and malignant solid FLLs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed. The study participants included 46 patients (28 men, 18 women; mean age, 52.5 years) with 57 solid FLLs (32 malignant and 25 benign FLLs). The mean ADC values and ADC ratios of benign solid FLLs were significantly higher than those of malignant lesions (P<0.01). The difference between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the ADC values (0.699) and ADC ratios (0.752) was not significant. Our study suggests that the DA of the ADC ratio is not significantly higher than that of ADC in characterizing solid FLLs.
Collapse
|
|
19
|
Talaat Ali M, Fouad Osman M, Homos MD, Mohamed Nabil D. Role of 3-T diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant hepatic lesions. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
|
20
|
Hasan NMA, Zaki KF, Alam-Eldeen MH, Hamedi HR. Benign versus malignant focal liver lesions: Diagnostic value of qualitative and quantitative diffusion weighted MR imaging. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
|
21
|
Value of diffusion-weighted MRI in evaluation of solid hepatic focal lesions in patients with renal insufficiency. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
|
22
|
Ahn JH, Yu JS, Cho ES, Chung JJ, Kim JH, Kim KW. Diffusion-Weighted MRI of Malignant versus Benign Portal Vein Thrombosis. Korean J Radiol 2016; 17:533-40. [PMID: 27390544 PMCID: PMC4936175 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2016.17.4.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To validate the diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) for differentiation of benign from malignant portal vein thrombosis. Materials and Methods The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and waived informed consent. A total of 59 consecutive patients (52 men and 7 women, aged 40–85 years) with grossly defined portal vein thrombus (PVT) on hepatic MRI were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, liver cirrhosis was found in 45 patients, and hepatocellular carcinoma in 47 patients. DWI was performed using b values of 50 and 800 sec/mm2 at 1.5-T unit. A thrombus was considered malignant if it enhanced on dynamic CT or MRI; otherwise, it was considered bland. There were 18 bland thrombi and 49 malignant thrombi in 59 patients, including 8 patients with simultaneous benign and malignant PVT. Mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of benign and malignant PVTs were compared by using Mann-Whitney U test. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The mean ADC ± standard deviation of bland and malignant PVT were 1.00 ± 0.39 × 10-3 mm2/sec and 0.92 ± 0.25 × 10-3 mm2/sec, respectively; without significant difference (p = 0.799). The area under ROC curve for ADC was 0.520. An ADC value of > 1.35 × 10-3 mm2/sec predicted bland PVT with a specificity of 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.9–98.9%) and a sensitivity of 22.2% (95% CI: 6.4–47.6%), respectively. Conclusion Due to the wide range and considerable overlap of the ADCs, DWI cannot differentiate the benign from malignant thrombi efficiently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhii-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Jeong-Sik Yu
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Eun-Suk Cho
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Chung
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Joo Hee Kim
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| | - Ki Whang Kim
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06273, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
|
23
|
Lee J, Kim SH, Kang TW, Song KD, Choi D, Jang KT. Mass-forming Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Diffusion-weighted Imaging as a Preoperative Prognostic Marker. Radiology 2016; 281:119-28. [PMID: 27115053 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016151781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To assess the value of diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging as a prognostic marker in preoperative evaluation of patients with mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the informed consent requirement was waived. A total of 91 patients who underwent hepatic resection and DW imaging for mass-forming ICC were included. Two radiologists evaluated the degree of diffusion restriction of the tumors by using qualitative (visual) interpretation combined with quantitative analysis by volumetric evaluation of the whole tumor on DW images. Patients were classified into two groups: those in whom less than one-third of the tumor showed diffusion restriction (group 1) and those in whom more than one-third of the tumor showed diffusion restriction (group 2). Imaging findings in tumors were compared with pathology findings. Disease-free and overall survival rates were compared between the two groups by using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Results There were 43 patients in group 1 and 48 patients in group 2. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 30% and 16%, respectively, in group 1 and 75% and 64%, respectively, in group 2 (P < .001). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 77% and 26%, respectively, in group 1 and 92% and 67%, respectively, in group 2 (P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that diffusion restriction (P = .024), differentiation (P = .030), and intrahepatic metastasis (P = .001) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion The degree of diffusion restriction on DW images may be a prognostic marker in preoperative evaluation of patients with mass-forming ICC. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisun Lee
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Kim
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Wook Kang
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Doo Song
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongil Choi
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee Taek Jang
- From the Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science (J.L., S.H.K., T.W.K., K.D.S., D.C.) and Department of Pathology (K.T.J.), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Ilwon-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
|
24
|
Metin MR, Aydın H, Çetin H, Özmen E, Kayaçetin S. The efficacy of diffusion weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficients mapping for liver metastasis of colonic adenocarcinomas. Saudi Med J 2016; 37:379-85. [PMID: 27052280 PMCID: PMC4852015 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.4.14921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To establish retrospectively the relation between the histopathologic grade of colorectal liver metastasis and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of hepatic metastases of colorectal adenocarcinomas. Methods: The diagnoses of liver metastases were confirmed with biopsy, surgery, and follow-up imaging findings. Twenty-six patients with 94 liver metastasis were included in the study. Of 94 masses, 59 were poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 18 were moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and 17 were well-differentiated regarding the diameters, ADC values, and ratio index (RI) values. Kolmogorov-smirnov normality test, Kruskal-wallis analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction, Spearman correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristics curve methods were applied to evaluate the statistical relations. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of ADC values and RI between poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma and moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma plus well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. Poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas have the lowest ADC values and highest RI values among other groups. Conclusion: Use of ADC values alone can be executed for the diagnosis of focal hepatic masses and also can aid in the differentiation of benign and malignant hepatic lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melike R Metin
- Radiology Department, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. E-mail.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
25
|
Tokgoz O, Unlu E, Unal I, Serifoglu I, Oz I, Aktas E, Caglar E. Diagnostic value of diffusion weighted MRI and ADC in differential diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma of the liver. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:227-33. [PMID: 27358636 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the use of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the diagnosis of hemangioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study population consisted of 72 patients with liver masses larger than 1 cm (72 focal lesions). DWI examination with a b value of 600 s/mm2 was carried out for all patients. After DWI examination, an ADC map was created and ADC values were measured for 72 liver masses and normal liver tissue (control group). The average ADC values of normal liver tissue and focal liver lesions, the "cut-off" ADC values, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the ADC map in diagnosing hemangioma, benign and malignant lesions were researched. RESULTS Of the 72 liver masses, 51 were benign and 21 were malignant. Benign lesions comprised 38 hemangiomas and 13 simple cysts. Malignant lesions comprised 9 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 12 metastases. The highest ADC values were measured for cysts (3.782±0.53×10(-3) mm(2)/s) and hemangiomas (2.705±0.63×10(-3) mm(2)/s). The average ADC value of hemangiomas was significantly higher than malignant lesions and the normal control group (p<0.001). The average ADC value of cysts were significantly higher when compared to hemangiomas and normal control group (p<0.001). To distinguish hemangiomas from malignant liver lesions, the "cut-off" ADC value of 1.800×10(-3) mm(2)/s had a sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 90.9%. To distinguish hemangioma from normal liver parenchyma the "cut-off" value of 1.858×10(-3) mm(2)/s had a sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 95.7%. To distinguish benign liver lesions from malignant liver lesions the "cut-off" value of 1.800×10(-3) mm(2)/s had a sensitivity of 96.1% and a specificity of 90.0%. CONCLUSION DWI and quantitative measurement of ADC values can be used in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions and also in the diagnosis and differentiation of hemangiomas. When dynamic examination cannot distinguish cases with vascular metastasis and lesions from hemangioma, DWI and ADC values can be useful in the primary diagnosis and differential diagnosis. The technique does not require contrast material, so it can safely be used in patients with renal failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Tokgoz
- Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Ankara/Turkey
| | - Ebru Unlu
- Afyon Kocatepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Afyon
| | - Ilker Unal
- Cukurova University, School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Adana
| | - Ismail Serifoglu
- Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ilker Oz
- Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Elif Aktas
- Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Ankara/Turkey
| | - Emrah Caglar
- Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Zonguldak, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
|
26
|
Hennedige TP, Hallinan JTPD, Leung FP, Teo LLS, Iyer S, Wang G, Chang S, Madhavan KK, Wee A, Venkatesh SK. Comparison of magnetic resonance elastography and diffusion-weighted imaging for differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions. Eur Radiol 2016; 26:398-406. [PMID: 26032879 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-3835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comparison of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating malignant and benign focal liver lesions (FLLs). METHODS Seventy-nine subjects with 124 FLLs (44 benign and 80 malignant) underwent both MRE and DWI. MRE was performed with a modified gradient-echo sequence and DWI with a free breathing technique (b = 0.500). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and stiffness maps were generated. FLL mean stiffness and ADC values were obtained by placing regions of interest over the FLLs on stiffness and ADC maps. The accuracy of MRE and DWI for differentiation of benign and malignant FLL was compared using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS There was a significant negative correlation between stiffness and ADC (r = -0.54, p < 0.0001) of FLLs. Malignant FLLs had significantly higher mean stiffness (7.9kPa vs. 3.1kPa, p < 0.001) and lower mean ADC (129 vs. 200 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s, p < 0.001) than benign FLLs. The sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value/negative predictive value for differentiating malignant from benign FLLs with MRE (cut-off, >4.54kPa) and DWI (cut-off, <151 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) were 96.3/95.5/97.5/93.3% (p < 0.001) and 85/81.8/88.3/75% (p < 0.001), respectively. ROC analysis showed significantly higher accuracy for MRE than DWI (0.986 vs. 0.82, p = 0.0016). CONCLUSION MRE is significantly more accurate than DWI for differentiating benign and malignant FLLs. KEY POINTS • MRE is superior to DWI for differentiating benign and malignant focal liver lesions. • Benign lesions with large fibrous components may have higher stiffness with MRE. • Cholangiocarcinomas tend to have higher stiffness than hepatocellular carcinomas. • Hepatocellular adenomas tend to have lower stiffness than focal nodular hyperplasia. • MRE is superior to conventional MRI in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany P Hennedige
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Fiona P Leung
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- South West Radiology, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynette Li San Teo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sridhar Iyer
- Department of Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen Chang
- Department of Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Aileen Wee
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200, First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
27
|
Heusch P, Antoch G. Morphologic and Functional Imaging of Non-Colorectal Liver Metastases. VISZERALMEDIZIN 2015; 31:387-92. [PMID: 26889141 PMCID: PMC4748792 DOI: 10.1159/000441857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver metastases are the most frequent malignant liver lesions. Besides colorectal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors are the most common entities that metastasize to the liver. The morphology of these metastases depends on the primary tumor. For morphologic and functional imaging of non-colorectal liver metastases, multiple imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography coupled with CT or MRI are available. This review summarizes morphologic and functional characteristics of different non-colorectal liver metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heusch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerald Antoch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
|
28
|
Matos AP, Velloni F, Ramalho M, AlObaidy M, Rajapaksha A, Semelka RC. Focal liver lesions: Practical magnetic resonance imaging approach. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1987-2008. [PMID: 26261689 PMCID: PMC4528273 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i16.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the widespread of cross-sectional imaging, a growth of incidentally detected focal liver lesions (FLL) has been observed. A reliable detection and characterization of FLL is critical for optimal patient management. Maximizing accuracy of imaging in the context of FLL is paramount in avoiding unnecessary biopsies, which may result in post-procedural complications. A tremendous development of new imaging techniques has taken place during these last years. Nowadays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in management of liver lesions, using a radiation-free technique and a safe contrast agent profile. MRI plays a key role in the non-invasive correct characterization of FLL. MRI is capable of providing comprehensive and highly accurate diagnostic information, with the additional advantage of lack of harmful ionizing radiation. These properties make MRI the mainstay for the noninvasive evaluation of focal liver lesions. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art MRI liver protocol, briefly discussing different sequence types, the unique characteristics of imaging non-cooperative patients and discuss the role of hepatocyte-specific contrast agents. A review of the imaging features of the most common benign and malignant FLL is presented, supplemented by a schematic representation of a simplistic practical approach on MRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- António P Matos
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Fernanda Velloni
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Miguel Ramalho
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Mamdoh AlObaidy
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Aruna Rajapaksha
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Richard C Semelka
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| |
Collapse
|
|
29
|
Hwang J, Kim YK, Jeong WK, Choi D, Rhim H, Lee WJ. Nonhypervascular Hypointense Nodules at Gadoxetic Acid-enhanced MR Imaging in Chronic Liver Disease: Diffusion-weighted Imaging for Characterization. Radiology 2015; 276:137-46. [PMID: 25734551 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.15141350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, including those on diffusion-weighted (DW) and T2-weighted images, in differentiating between hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodules seen as hypointense nodules at hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the need to obtain informed patient consent. There were 53 patients (39 men and 14 women; age range, 32-75 years) with histologically proven hypovascular HCCs (n = 25) and/or dysplastic nodules (n = 31) who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0-T between March 2011 and January 2014. Images of 25 HCCs and 31 dysplastic nodules were analyzed for nodule size; signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted, portal venous phase, and DW (b value = 800 sec/mm(2)) images; and intralesional fat. Correlations between the hyperintensity grade of lesions and the liver-to-lesion signal intensity ratio at T2-weighted and DW imaging were determined by means of analysis with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Hyperintensity at T2-weighted and DW imaging and hypointensity in the portal venous phase were significant features for differentiating hypovascular HCCs from dysplastic nodules (P < .05). The sensitivity of DW imaging tended to be higher than that of T2-weighted imaging (72.0% [18 of 25] vs 40.0% [10 of 25]; P = .008 for grade 2 and 3 hyperintensity). Use of the parameter of hyperintensity similar to or slightly lower than the signal intensity of the spleen on DW images (b value = 800 sec/mm(2)) yielded a specificity of 100% (31 of 31) for the diagnosis of hypovascular HCC by differentiating it from a dysplastic nodule. CONCLUSION Hyperintensity at DW imaging could be a useful MR imaging feature for differentiating hypovascular HCCs from dysplastic nodules seen as hypointense nodules at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Hwang
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| | - Young Kon Kim
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| | - Woo Kyoung Jeong
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| | - Dongil Choi
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| | - Hyunchul Rhim
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| | - Won Jae Lee
- From the Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.H.); and Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea (Y.K.K., W.K.J., D.C., H.R., W.J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
30
|
Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver in patients with chronic liver disease: comparison of monopolar and bipolar diffusion gradients for image quality and lesion detection. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015; 204:59-68. [PMID: 25539238 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.13.11695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to compare diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences using a bipolar versus a monopolar single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) gradient design for image quality and for lesion detection and characterization in patients with liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 77 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent MRI including bipolar and monopolar DWI at 1.5 T were assessed. Two independent observers reviewed the DWI studies for image quality and the detection and characterization of liver lesions. The reference standard for diagnosis was established by consensus review of two different observers using imaging characteristics on conventional MRI sequences, lesion stability over time, pathologic correlation, or a combination of these findings. The estimated signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of liver parenchyma and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the liver and lesions were calculated for both sequences. ROC analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of ADC for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS Eighty-five lesions, 50 HCCs and 35 benign lesions, were detected with the reference standard in 38 patients. There was equivalent image quality for the bipolar and monopolar sequences (p = 0.24-0.42). The HCC detection rate for observers 1 and 2 was slightly better with bipolar DWI (50.0% and 52.0%, respectively) compared with monopolar DWI (44.0% and 46.0%); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. The estimated SNR was higher with the monopolar sequence than with the bipolar sequence (p ≤ 0.001). The AUC for the ROC curve was 0.691 for bipolar DWI and 0.649 for monopolar DWI when ADC was used for the characterization of HCC, which is not a statistically significant difference (p = 0.59). CONCLUSION The higher estimated SNR yielded by the monopolar DWI sequence did not translate into better HCC detection compared with the bipolar DWI sequence. ADC has a limited role for HCC characterization in patients with liver disease.
Collapse
|
|
31
|
Assessment of diffusion-weighted imaging for characterizing focal liver lesions. Clin Imaging 2014; 39:278-84. [PMID: 25433855 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 150 patients, 153 hepatic lesions (39 metastases, 27 hemangiomas, 26 hepatocellular carcinomas, 25 cysts, 15 adenomas, 8 focal nodular hyperplasias, 5 abscesses, 4 hamartomas, and 4 cholangiocarcinomas) were evaluated during a 24-month period. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of benign lesions (1.994×10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)) were significantly higher than ADC values of malignant lesions (1.070×10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)). Mean ADC value for solid benign lesions (1.143×10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)±0.214×10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)) was not significantly different from malignant lesions. ADC values did not allow differentiating malignant from benign solid lesions (area under the curve=0.61). ADC cutoff value threshold of 1.6×10(-3) mm(2) s(-1) yielded higher accuracy for differentiating benign from malignant lesions.
Collapse
|
|
32
|
Lewis S, Dyvorne H, Cui Y, Taouli B. Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: techniques and applications. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2014; 22:373-95. [PMID: 25086935 PMCID: PMC4121599 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a technique that assesses the cellularity, tortuosity of the extracellular/extravascular space, and cell membrane density based on differences in water proton mobility in tissues. The strength of the diffusion weighting is reflected by the b value. DWI using several b values enables the quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient. DWI is increasingly used in liver imaging for multiple reasons: it can add useful qualitative and quantitative information to conventional imaging sequences; it is acquired relatively quickly; it is easily incorporated into existing clinical protocols; and it is a noncontrast technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hadrien Dyvorne
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yong Cui
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bachir Taouli
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA; Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
33
|
Abstract
In this article, functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques in the abdomen are discussed. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) increases the confidence in detecting and characterizing focal hepatic lesions. The potential uses of DWI in kidneys, adrenal glands, bowel, and pancreas are outlined. Studies have shown potential use of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters, such as K(trans), in predicting outcomes in cancer therapy. MR elastography is considered to be a useful tool in staging liver fibrosis. A major issue with all functional MR imaging techniques is the lack of standardization of the protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Sandrasegaran
- Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 N University Blvd, UH 0279, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
34
|
Le Moigne F, Boussel L, Haquin A, Bancel B, Ducerf C, Berthezène Y, Rode A. Grading of small hepatocellular carcinomas (≤2 cm): correlation between histology, T2 and diffusion-weighted imaging. Br J Radiol 2014; 87:20130763. [PMID: 25007142 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20130763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the capacity of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to determine the histological grade of small-sized hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in liver cirrhosis in comparison with T2 weighted imaging. METHODS 51 cirrhotic patients with 63 histologically proven HCCs ≤2 cm underwent abdominal MRI, including DWI (b-values 50, 400 and 800 s mm(-2)) and T2 weighted sequences. HCCs were classified into well-differentiated HCCs (n = 37) and moderately differentiated HCCs (n = 26). Relative contrast ratios (RCRs) between the lesions and the surrounding liver were performed and compared between the two groups for T2 weighted images, each b-value and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare RCRs in T2 and diffusion-weighted images. RESULTS We found significant differences in RCRs between well-differentiated vs moderately differentiated HCCs for b = 50, 400 and 800 s mm(-2) and T2 weighted images (1.35 ± 0.36 vs 1.86 ± 0.62; 1.35 ± 0.38 vs 1.82 ± 0.60; 1.27 ± 0.30 vs 1.74 ± 0.53; 1.14 ± 0.18 vs 1.43 ± 0.28, respectively; p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in ADC and ADC RCR (1.05 ± 0.19 vs 0.99 ± 0.15 and 1.1 ± 0.22 vs 1.09 ± 0.23; p = 0.16 and p = 0.82, respectively). No significant difference was found in the areas under the ROC curve for RCRs of T2 weighted images and every DWI b-value (p = 0.18). CONCLUSION The RCR measurement performed in DWI 50, 400 and 800 b-values and T2 demonstrated a significant difference between well-differentiated and moderately differentiated small-sized HCCs. Furthermore, no difference was shown by using either ADC or ADC RCR. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE DWI with RCR measurement may be a valuable tool for non-invasively predicting the histological grade of small HCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Le Moigne
- 1 Department of Radiology, Desgenettes Military Teaching Hospital, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
35
|
Latif MA, Hawary GE, Badrawy AE, Alfy HE. The role of MR diffusion in differentiation of malignant and benign hepatic focal lesions. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
|
|
36
|
Wu LM, Chen XX, Li YL, Hua J, Chen J, Hu J, Xu JR. On the utility of quantitative diffusion-weighted MR imaging as a tool in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules. Acad Radiol 2014; 21:355-63. [PMID: 24332602 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the ability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules from benign lesions with a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Articles in English and Chinese language relating to the accuracy of DWI for this utility were retrieved. Pooled estimation and subgroup analysis data were obtained by statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of seven studies (17 subsets) with 358 patients, who fulfilled all of the inclusion criteria, were considered for the analysis. No publication bias was found (bias = 7.03, P > .05). Methodological quality was relatively high. DWI sensitivity was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.94) and specificity was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96). Overall, positive likelihood ratio was 12.24 (95% CI, 6.47-23.20) and negative likelihood ratio was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.06-0.15). Diagnostic odds ratio was 123.78 (95% CI, 56.85-269.48). The area under the curve of the summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96). In patients with high pretest probabilities, DWI enabled confirmation of malignant thyroid lesion; in patients with low pretest probabilities, DWI enabled exclusion of malignant thyroid lesion. Worst-case-scenario (pretest probability, 50%) posttest probabilities were 92% and 9% for positive and negative DWI results, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A limited number of small studies suggests that quantitative DWI is a reliable diagnostic method for differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid lesions.
Collapse
|
|
37
|
Galea N, Cantisani V, Taouli B. Liver lesion detection and characterization: role of diffusion-weighted imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 37:1260-76. [PMID: 23712841 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) plays an emerging role for the assessment of focal and diffuse liver diseases. This growing interest is due to that fact that DWI is a noncontrast technique with inherent high contrast resolution, with promising results for detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. Recent advances in diffusion image quality have also added interest to this technique in the abdomen. The purpose of this review is to describe the current clinical roles of DWI for the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions, and to review pitfalls, limitations, and future directions of DWI for assessment of focal liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Galea
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Radiological Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
38
|
Kim MY, Kim YK, Park HJ, Park MJ, Lee WJ, Choi D. Diagnosis of focal liver lesions with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI: is a shortened delay time possible by adding diffusion-weighted imaging? J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 39:31-41. [PMID: 24115329 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether the diagnostic performance of combined gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic phases and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is comparable to the standard protocol with hepatobiliary phase (HBP) and DWI for detection and characterization of focal liver lesions in chronic liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 176 patients with 181 HCCs, 15 cholangiocarcinomas, and 32 benign lesions were included. Three combined gadoxetic acid-enhanced and DWI sets (dynamic phases [arterial, portal, and 3-min delay {3-min set} and dynamic phases with 10-min HBP [10-min set] or 20-min HBP [20-min set]) were analyzed by two observers to determine the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in detection of malignancy, and ability for lesion characterization. RESULTS There was a trend, although not statistically significant, toward highest diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for detecting malignancies in the 20-min set (mean, 0.945, 96.2), followed by the 10-min set (0.937, 95.9), and the 3-min set (0.923, 94.1) (P > 0.05). For lesion characterization, three image sets were equivalent (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION For lesion detection and characterization in chronic liver diseases, 3-min set with DWI showed comparable efficacy to 10-min or 20-min set. However, the best diagnostic performance could be achieved by combination of all image sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moon Young Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
39
|
Thawait GK, Subhawong TK, Tatizawa Shiga NY, Fayad LM. "Cystic"-appearing soft tissue masses: what is the role of anatomic, functional, and metabolic MR imaging techniques in their characterization? J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:504-11. [PMID: 24532375 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although conventional MR imaging with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences is of paramount importance for evaluating soft tissue masses, noncontrast MR sequences have emerged that facilitate their characterization. In this article, the utility and pitfalls of conventional MR imaging with T1-weighted, fluid-sensitive, and contrast-enhanced sequences will be discussed, along with that of functional (diffusion weighted imaging) and metabolic (proton MR spectroscopy) non-contrast-enhanced techniques for the purpose of soft tissue mass characterization. In particular, we discuss the application of these techniques to differentiating neoplastic or inflammatory masses that have high fluid content from benign cysts, as this distinction is a common pitfall of conventional sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav K Thawait
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 601 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
40
|
Sutherland T, Steele E, van Tonder F, Yap K. Solid focal liver lesion characterisation with apparent diffusion coefficient ratios. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2013; 58:32-7. [DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Sutherland
- Medical Imaging Department; St Vincents Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Emma Steele
- Medical Imaging Department; St Vincents Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Frans van Tonder
- Medical Imaging Department; St Vincents Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kelvin Yap
- Medical Imaging Department; St Vincents Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
|
41
|
Mannelli L, Bhargava P, Osman SF, Raz E, Moshiri M, Laffi G, Wilson GJ, Maki JH. Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: a comprehensive review. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2013; 42:77-83. [PMID: 23683849 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is based on the Brownian motion of water and enables quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient throughout the body. This article discusses the principles of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the possible applications and limitations as they apply to liver imaging. This will introduce the readers to this novel magnetic resonance imaging tool, which has a promising future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mannelli
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
42
|
Yoon JH, Lee JM, Yu MH, Kiefer B, Han JK, Choi BI. Evaluation of hepatic focal lesions using diffusion-weighted MR imaging: comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient and intravoxel incoherent motion-derived parameters. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:276-85. [PMID: 23633178 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether parameters obtained from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using multiple b-values can improve characterization of common focal liver lesions (FLLs), compared with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCtotal ). MATERIALS AND METHODS Our Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was waived. In all, 142 patients with 169 FLLs underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including IVIM-DWI with multiple b factors at 3.0T. ADCtotal and IVIM-DWI-derived parameters including true diffusion (Dt ), pseudodiffusion (Dp ), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated for each lesion and compared using dedicated software. RESULTS Dt and ADCtotal were significantly lower in malignancies (0.95 ± 0.21, 1.14 ± 0.24, (×10(-3) mm(2) /sec)) than in benign FLLs (1.61 ± 0.34, 1.72 ± 0.37, (×10(-3) mm(2) /sec)). In the differential diagnosis of malignancies from benign lesions, Dt (Az value: 0.971) showed better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal (Az: 0.933) (P < 0.0005). Dt (Az: 0.961) also showed better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal (Az: 0.919) in differentiating hypervascular malignancies from benign hypervascular FLLs (P < 0.0005). In addition, Dp and f were significantly higher in hypervascular FLLs (35.74 ± 20.08 (×10(-3) mm(2) /sec), 28.14 ± 11.82 (%)) than hypovascular FLLs (21.87 ± 13.8 (×10(-3) mm(2) /sec), 12.2 ± 5.92 (%)) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Dt provided better diagnostic performance than ADCtotal in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Dp and f were significant parameters for diagnosing hypervascular FLLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hee Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
43
|
Morani AC, Elsayes KM, Liu PS, Weadock WJ, Szklaruk J, Dillman JR, Khan A, Chenevert TL, Hussain HK. Abdominal applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: Where do we stand. World J Radiol 2013; 5:68-80. [PMID: 23671743 PMCID: PMC3650207 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i3.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is one of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences providing qualitative as well as quantitative information at a cellular level. It has been widely used for various applications in the central nervous system. Over the past decade, various extracranial applications of DWI have been increasingly explored, as it may detect changes even before signal alterations or morphological abnormalities become apparent on other pulse sequences. Initial results from abdominal MRI applications are promising, particularly in oncological settings and for the detection of abscesses. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinically relevant basic concepts of DWI, techniques to perform abdominal DWI, its analysis and applications in abdominal visceral MR imaging, in addition to a brief overview of whole body DWI MRI.
Collapse
|
|
44
|
Sandrasegaran K, Tahir B, Patel A, Ramaswamy R, Bertrand K, Akisik FM, Saxena R. The usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging in the characterization of liver lesions in patients with cirrhosis. Clin Radiol 2013; 68:708-15. [PMID: 23510619 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate if diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is useful in characterizing liver lesions in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review revealed 37 patients with cirrhosis who had 41 histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. Another 20 patents with cirrhosis had 29 solid nodules that remained stable for at least 12 months and were deemed to be benign hepatic nodules (BHN). Of the HCC lesions, 14 were well-differentiated (WD HCC), 20 were moderately differentiated, and seven were poorly differentiated histology. For all lesions, two reviewers analysed signal characteristics and made apparent diffusion coefficient value (ADC) measurements. RESULTS Visual analysis of DWI was useful in that no HCC was hypointense and no BHN was hyperintense to liver. Visual analysis of DWI was not useful in separating WD HCC from higher grades. There was substantial overlap in ADC values of the HCC and BHN. Among HCC lesions, ADC values of more than 0.99 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s had sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 86% for reviewer 1, and 63% and 64% for reviewer 2 in diagnosing WD HCC. CONCLUSIONS ADC measurements of BHN were higher than that of HCC, and the ADC values of WD HCC were higher than that of more aggressive grades of HCC. However, quantitative measurements may not help in determining the histological grade of individual cases of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Sandrasegaran
- Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
45
|
Baltzer PA, Schelhorn J, Benndorf M, Dietzel M, Kaiser WA. Diagnosis of focal liver lesions suspected of metastases by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): systematic comparison favors free-breathing technique. Clin Imaging 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
|
46
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy, and usually develops in the setting of liver cirrhosis. The early diagnosis of HCC is essential as curative treatment (including surgical resection and liver transplantation) improves survival. While screening and surveillance are traditionally performed with ultrasound, reported accuracies of ultrasound vary greatly, and poor sensitivity for small nodules is a uniformly recognized concern. Advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including multidetector technology and fast breath hold sequences now allow dynamic multiphasic enhanced imaging of the liver with excellent spatial and temporal resolution, holding much promise for improved HCC detection.
Collapse
|
|
47
|
Ichikawa S, Motosugi U, Ichikawa T, Sano K, Morisaka H, Araki T. Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging of focal hepatic lesions. J Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 37:1371-6. [PMID: 23172819 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare diffusivity values between malignant and benign focal hepatic lesions using the intravoxel incoherent motion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 84 focal hepatic lesions in 84 patients. Final diagnoses were as follows: hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 45), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6), metastatic liver tumor (n = 3), cyst (n = 20), hemangioma (n = 5), inflammatory pseudotumor (n = 2), abscess (n = 2), and focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 1). Diffusion-weighted images at 12 b-values were used to obtain the diffusion coefficient of pure molecular diffusion (D), diffusion coefficient of microcirculation or perfusion-related diffusion (D*), and perfusion-related diffusion fraction (f). Parameters of malignant and benign focal hepatic lesions were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The diagnostic performance for distinguishing between malignant and benign hepatic lesions was also analyzed. RESULTS Both the D value (1.15 ± 0.21 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s [mean ± standard deviation]) and D* value (62.7 ± 12.7 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s) in malignant lesions was significantly lower than that in benign lesions (D value [2.46 ± 0.45× 10(-3) mm(2) /s], P < 0.0001; D* value [87.6 ± 35.3 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s], P = 0.0008). The f value did not differ significantly between malignant (25.0 15.1 ± 15.1%) and benign lesions (30.1 ± 16.3%). CONCLUSION D* and D values were suppressed in malignant lesions. However, the D value was more reliable for distinguishing between malignant and benign focal hepatic lesions.
Collapse
|
|
48
|
Abstract
Parallel imaging is a robust method for accelerating the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and has made possible many new applications of MR imaging. Parallel imaging works by acquiring a reduced amount of k-space data with an array of receiver coils. These undersampled data can be acquired more quickly, but the undersampling leads to aliased images. One of several parallel imaging algorithms can then be used to reconstruct artifact-free images from either the aliased images (SENSE-type reconstruction) or from the undersampled data (GRAPPA-type reconstruction). The advantages of parallel imaging in a clinical setting include faster image acquisition, which can be used, for instance, to shorten breath-hold times resulting in fewer motion-corrupted examinations. In this article the basic concepts behind parallel imaging are introduced. The relationship between undersampling and aliasing is discussed and two commonly used parallel imaging methods, SENSE and GRAPPA, are explained in detail. Examples of artifacts arising from parallel imaging are shown and ways to detect and mitigate these artifacts are described. Finally, several current applications of parallel imaging are presented and recent advancements and promising research in parallel imaging are briefly reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Deshmane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
49
|
Culverwell AD, Sheridan MB, Guthrie JA, Scarsbrook AF. Diffusion-weighted MRI of the liver-Interpretative pearls and pitfalls. Clin Radiol 2012; 68:406-14. [PMID: 22981728 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) is an established technique in neuroradiology and more recently has emerged as a useful adjunct to various oncological applications of MRI. It has an expanding role in the evaluation of liver lesions, offers higher detection rates for small lesions, and can increase confidence in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Other applications include assessment of tumour response to therapy, differentiating tumour from bland thrombus, and assessment of liver fibrosis. DW sequences can be performed on most modern MRI machines with relative ease, in a short time period and without the need for contrast medium. DW MRI can be of value in the detection and characterization of hepatic lesions but there are pitfalls, which can potentially cause interpretative difficulty. This article will review the rationale for DW MRI in liver imaging, demonstrate the clinical utility of the technique in a spectrum of hepatic diseases, and illustrate key interpretative pearls and pitfalls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Culverwell
- Department of Clinical Radiology, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
|
50
|
Characterization of focal liver lesions using quantitative techniques: comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient values and T2 relaxation times. Eur Radiol 2012; 22:2514-24. [PMID: 22699872 PMCID: PMC3472073 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-012-2519-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To compare the efficacy of two quantitative methods for discrimination between benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs): apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and T2 relaxation times. Methods Seventy-three patients with 215 confirmed FLLs (115 benign, 100 malignant) underwent 1.5-T MRI with respiratory-triggered single-shot SE DWI (b = 50, 400, 800) and dual-echo T2TSE (TR = 3,000 ms; TE1 = 84 ms; TE2 = 228 ms). ADC values and T2 relaxation times of FLLs were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of both techniques in diagnosing malignancy were assessed. Results The mean ADC value of malignant tumours (1.07 × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of benign lesions (1.86 × 10−3 mm2/s ); however, with the use of the optimal cut-off value of 1.25 × 10−3 mm2/s, 20 false positive (FP) and 20 false negative (FN) diagnoses of malignancy were noted, generating 79 % sensitivity, 82.6 % specificity and 80.9 % accuracy. The mean T2 relaxation time of malignant tumours (64.4 ms) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of benign lesions (476.1 ms). At the threshold of 107 ms 22 FP and 1 FN diagnoses were noted; the sensitivity was 99 %, specificity 80.9 % and accuracy 89.3 %. Conclusions Quantitative analysis of T2 relaxation times yielded significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing malignant liver tumour than ADC values. Key Points • Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for liver lesions. • But ADC values demonstrated only moderate accuracy for differentiation of liver lesions. • T2 relaxation times yielded higher accuracy in diagnosing malignant liver tumours. • Both ADC and T2 values overlapped between focal nodular hyperplasia and malignant lesions. • Nevertheless T2 liver mapping could be valuable for evaluating focal liver lesions.
Collapse
|