Value of MR diffusion imaging in hepatic fibrosis and its correlations with serum indices

To compare apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of hepatic fibrosis patients with those of healthy controls and to identify their correlations with serum indices of liver fibrosis.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), type III procollagen (PCIII), and collagen type IV (IV-C) were measured in 54 hepatic fibrosis patients and 23 normal controls, and ADC values were determined on DWI at different b values (b = 300, 500, 700 s/mm(2)). Correlations between serum indices and ADC values at different liver fibrosis stages were examined, and each index variation of liver fibrosis in different stages were compared, and correlation analysis of each index and the staging of liver fibrosis carried out, and the correlation of each index performed.

With progressive liver fibrosis, HA, PCIII, and IV-C levels increased (P < 0.01). As the b value increased, the ADC value decreased gradually with the hepatic fibrosis stages. In different groups with b values of 500 s/mm(2) and 700 s/mm(2), the ADC value decreased significantly as liver fibrosis progressed (P < 0.01). With b values of 500 s/mm(2) and 700 s/mm(2), there were negative correlations between ADC and LN, PCIII, HA, and IV-C. This pattern was observed only for HA and IV-C at a b value of 300 s/mm(2).

Serum indices of liver fibrosis and ADC values are useful for diagnosing liver fibrosis, with some correlations among them.