Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating High-Resolution Intravital Imaging and MRI to Enhance Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Planning
Published on: April 12, 2024
Diffusion-weighted MRI and intravoxel incoherent motion model for diagnosis of pediatric solid abdominal tumors
Emma M Meeus1,2,3, Niloufar Zarinabad2,3, Karen A Manias2,3
1Physical Sciences of Imaging in Biomedical Sciences (PSIBS) Doctoral Training Centre, University of Birmingham, UK.
Background:
Pediatric retroperitoneal tumors in the renal bed are often large and heterogeneous, and their diagnosis based on conventional imaging alone is not possible. More advanced imaging methods, such as diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and the use of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), have the potential to provide additional biomarkers that could facilitate their noninvasive diagnosis.
Purpose:
To assess the use of an IVIM model for diagnosis of childhood malignant abdominal tumors and discrimination of benign from malignant lesions.
Study Type:
Retrospective.
Population:
Forty-two pediatric patients with abdominal lesions (n = 32 malignant, n = 10 benign), verified by histopathology.
Field Strength/Sequence:
1.5T MRI system and a DW-MRI sequence with six b-values (0, 50, 100, 150, 600, 1000 s/mm2 ).
Assessment:
Parameter maps of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and IVIM maps of slow diffusion coefficient (D), fast diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were computed using a segmented fitting model. Histograms were constructed for whole-tumor regions of each parameter.
Statistical Tests:
Comparison of histogram parameters of and their diagnostic performance was determined using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results:
IVIM parameters D* and f were significantly higher in neuroblastoma compared to Wilms' tumors (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis showed that the best diagnostic performance was achieved with D* 90th percentile (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.935; P = 0.002; cutoff value = 32,376 × 10-6 mm2 /s) and f mean values (AUC = 1.00; P < 0.001; cutoff value = 14.7) in discriminating between neuroblastoma (n = 11) and Wilms' tumors (n = 8). Discrimination between tumor types was not possible with IVIM D or ADC parameters. Malignant tumors revealed significantly lower ADC, D, and higher D* values than in benign lesions (all P < 0.05).
Data Conclusion:
IVIM perfusion parameters could distinguish between malignant childhood tumor types, providing potential imaging biomarkers for their diagnosis.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1475-1486.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging