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Updated: May 18, 2026
11:23
An Open-Source Normothermic Perfusion System Designed for Research Scientists
Published on: July 18, 2025
Diffusion/perfusion MR imaging of the liver: practice, challenges, and future
Masayuki Kanematsu1, Satoshi Goshima, Haruo Watanabe
1Department of Radiology, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan. masa_gif@yahoo.co.jp
Summary
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) enhances liver MRI for fibrosis and metastasis detection. While limited for early liver cancer, it complements other methods for recurrence and metastasis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is integral to liver MRI protocols, improved by parallel encoding.
- DWI aids in diagnosing liver conditions like fibrosis and metastasis.
- Its utility in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhotic nodules is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of DWI in liver disease diagnosis.
- To explore DWI's complementary function with contrast-enhanced MRI.
- To assess DWI's effectiveness in detecting hepatic fibrosis and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- Incorporated parallel encoding techniques for enhanced image quality.
- Applied MR perfusion analysis with a dual-input one-compartment model.
Main Results:
- DWI is effective for detecting hepatic metastasis and moderate-to-advanced fibrosis.
- DWI complements gadolinium-enhanced MRI for HCC recurrence and metastasis detection.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient in cirrhosis may be lowered due to reduced liver blood flow.
Conclusions:
- DWI is a valuable tool for diagnosing liver metastasis and fibrosis.
- DWI enhances the detection of HCC recurrence and metastasis when combined with other MRI techniques.
- Future developments with liver-specific contrast agents may enable new analysis models integrating perfusion and hepatocyte function.
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