[Evaluation of early stage diffused liver lesions with MR functional diffusion-weighted imaging--an experimental...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Hepatology

Background:

• Early detection of diffuse liver lesions is crucial for effective management.
• Conventional MRI lacks sensitivity for subtle, early-stage changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) for diagnosing early-stage diffuse liver lesions.
• To assess the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in early disease detection.

Main Methods:

• Liver lesions were induced in rats using diethylnitrosamine (DEN).
• Sequential DWI and MRI were performed weekly for 14 weeks.
• Pathohistological examinations confirmed lesion development and stages.

Main Results:

• Routine MRI showed no significant changes, while DWI revealed heterogeneous changes in the DEN-induced group.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the DEN group began declining by week 5 and decreased significantly by week 10.
• Significant differences in ADC values between groups were observed as early as week 5 (b=300 s/mm²) and week 6 (b=600, 1000 s/mm²).
• Histopathology correlated with lesion progression: hepatocyte swelling (1-4 weeks), fibrosis (5-8 weeks), and cirrhosis (9-14 weeks).

Conclusions:

• Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) can detect early liver diffuse lesions before conventional MRI.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement is valuable for the early diagnosis and monitoring of diffuse liver diseases.