Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) does not correlate with different serological parameters in myositis and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neurology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing muscle disorders.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides insights into tissue microstructure.
• The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantifies water molecule diffusion, reflecting tissue characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in patients with myositis and non-inflammatory myopathy.
• To analyze potential associations between ADC values and laboratory parameters in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen patients with myositis, eight with non-inflammatory myopathies, and nine controls underwent 1.5-T DWI.
• Histopathology confirmed diagnoses.
• Blood samples for laboratory parameters were collected within three days of MRI.

Main Results:

• Mean ADC values were significantly higher in affected muscles (myositis: 1.89×10⁻³ mm²/s; non-inflammatory myopathy: 1.79×10⁻³ mm²/s) compared to unaffected muscles (1.15×10⁻³ mm²/s).
• No significant correlations were identified between ADC values and serological parameters (CRP, LDH, ALT, AST, CK, myoglobin).

Conclusions:

• Affected muscles in myositis and non-inflammatory myopathies exhibit significantly elevated ADC values.
• ADC values do not show linear correlations with the assessed laboratory parameters in these conditions.