THE ROLE OF DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF LIVER LESIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI] plays a significant role in distinguishing liver lesions. This study focuses on the significance of apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] values in distinguishing between benign and malignant liver lesions. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients who underwent liver MRI examinations at our clinic, and 378 liver lesions were found. The study comprised 141 women, 80 men, and 221 patients with liver lesions. The measured ADC values between benign and malignant lesions were compared. In addition, the lesion ADC value/CSF ADC value ratio was measured, and the relative ADC value was named. Results: 118 hemangiomas, 59 simple cysts, 67 hydatid cysts, 3 focal nodular hyperplasias, 9 abscesses, 28 hepatocellular carcinomas, 88 metastases, and 6 lymphomas were evaluated. Simple cysts and hemangiomas had the most elevated ADC values compared to all other liver lesions. The ADC values for liver lesions classified as benign had a mean of 2.10 x 10-3 mm2/s, while malignant ones had a lower mean of 0.75 x 10-3 mm2/s. The ADC values of malignant liver lesions were lower compared to the benign lesions. Conclusion: Using DWI combined with ADC values could be valuable in discerning between benign and malignant liver lesions. Besides, relative ADC values may also contribute to more objective results.