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Diffusion-weighted MRI in the characterization of soft-tissue tumors
Catherina S P van Rijswijk1, Patrik Kunz, Pancras C W Hogendoorn
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. C.S.P.van_Rijswijk@lumc.nl
Purpose:
To explore the potential of perfusion-corrected diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing soft-tissue tumors.
Methods And Materials:
Diffusion-weighted MRI was performed in 23 histologically proven soft-tissue masses using a diffusion-weighted spin-echo sequence with diffusion gradient strengths yielding five b-values (0-701 seconds/mm(2)). True diffusion coefficients and perfusion fractions were estimated and compared with apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs).
Results:
ADC values of all tumors, subcutaneous fat, and muscle were significantly higher than true diffusion coefficients, indicating a contribution of perfusion to the ADC. True diffusion coefficients of malignant tumors (1.08 x 10(-3) mm(2)/second) were significantly lower than those of benign masses (1.71 x 10(-3) mm(2)/second), whereas ADC values between these groups were not significantly different.
Conclusion:
Perfusion-corrected diffusion-weighted MRI has potential in differentiating benign from malignant soft-tissue masses.