The Role of Diffusion Weighted MRI in Diagnosis of Sacroiliitis

Abstract

Background: The main aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) in identifying and detecting active sacro-iliitis. The study seeks to evaluate the potential of these imaging techniques as diagnostic tools for this particular condition. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 people underwent MRI examination for low back pain. Thirty-four of these individuals did not show any pathology in the sacroiliac joints and were included in the control group. 45 people diagnosed with sacroiliitis formed the patient group. All participants underwent spin echo, planar echo, diffusion-weighted MR imaging at a b=1000 s/mm². ADC values were determined by assessing the subchondral regions adjacent to both sacroiliac joints. Relative ADC values were obtained for both the patient and control groups. Results: The study found a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean ADC values between the pa-tient group (1202.4±268.2 mm²/s) and the control group (423.9±71.9 mm²/s). These results indicate distinct diffusion patterns between the two groups. Additionally, the relative ADC values were significantly different (p<0.05) with 0.434 in the patient group and 0.153 in the control group, further supporting the observed disparities in diffusion characteristics. Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted imaging has similar diagnostic efficacy to other MRI methods in detecting active sacroiliitis. In addition, it is thought that the relative ADC values may contribute more to the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.