The utility of diffusion-weighted imaging and ADC values in the characterization of mumps orchitis and seminoma

Renwei Liu1, Jianhua Li1, Yixiang Jiang1

  • 1Department of Radiology, People's Hospital of Longhua District, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China.

Abstract

Insights

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) effectively distinguishes testicular seminoma from mumps orchitis using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. This MRI technique aids in diagnosing testicular lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides quantitative tissue diffusion characteristics.
  • This aids in the qualitative diagnosis and quantitative analysis of diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize testicular lesions with hypointense signals on T2-weighted MRI using DWI.
  • To differentiate between mumps orchitis and testicular seminoma.

Main Methods:

  • Three groups were studied: healthy controls (n=35), mumps orchitis (n=20), and seminoma (n=15).
  • DWI sequences utilized b-values of 0, 1000, and 2000 s/mm².
  • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated and analyzed using statistical tests (Kruskal-Wallis, ROC).

Main Results:

  • Normal testicular tissue showed hyperintensity on DWI and hypointensity on ADC maps (mean ADC: 0.77 ×10⁻³ mm²/s).
  • Mumps orchitis and seminoma displayed slight hyperintensity on DWI with mean ADC values of 0.85 ×10⁻³ mm²/s and 0.43 ×10⁻³ mm²/s, respectively.
  • Significant differences in ADC values were found between normal tissue and seminoma, and between mumps orchitis and seminoma. A cutoff ADC value of 0.54 ×10⁻³ mm²/s differentiated seminoma from mumps orchitis with 99% sensitivity and 31% specificity.

Conclusions:

  • High b-value DWI is a valuable tool for differentiating mumps orchitis from testicular seminoma.
  • ADC values derived from DWI show potential clinical utility in diagnosing testicular lesions.