Diffusion-weighted and diffusion-tensor imaging of normal and diseased uterus

Owing to technical advances and improvement of the software, diffusion weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging(DWI and DTI) greatly improved the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the pelvic region. These imaging sequences can exhibit important tissue contrast on the basis of random diffusion(Brownian motion) of water molecules in tissues. Quantitative measurements can be done with DWI and DTI by apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and fractional anisotropy(FA) values respectively. ADC and FA values may be changed by various physiological and pathological conditions providing additional information to conventional MRI. The quantitative DWI assists significantly in the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. It can demonstrate the microstructural architecture and celluler density of the normal and diseased uterine zones. On the other hand, DWI and DTI are useful for monitoring the treatment outcome of the uterine lesions. In this review, we discussed advantages of DWI and DTI of the normal and diseased uterus.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES OF BONE MARROW OF NORMAL ADULT MAN ON DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING

Objective To investigate the signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of bone marrow of normal adult man on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Methods Fifteen healthy volunteers and thirty-eight patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or normal prostate were enrolled in this study, with age range 28-82 years old (mean 55.26 ± 18.05 years). All people were examined with large field DWI on a 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner, which ranges from the top of head to the lower limb. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the DWI and ADC of lumber vertebra at renal hilum level, left ilium and superior segment of left femur were measured. The measured SNR and ADC value of the above sites were compared by one way analysis of variance and their correlations with age were investigated by Pearson's correlation analysis. Results The SNR of lumber vertebra, left ilium and left femur showed no significant difference (F = 0.271, P = 0.763). The SNR of lumber vertebra (r = 0.309, P = 0.024) and left ilium (r = 0.359, P = 0.008) showed positive correlation with age, while the SNR of left femur showed no correlation with age (r = -0.163, P = 0.283). The ADC of lumber vertebra [(0.617 ± 0.177) ×10-3 mm2/s] was significantly higher than that of left ilium [(0.404 ± 0.112) ×10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.001] and left femur [(0.362 ± 0.092) ×10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.001], while the ADC of left ilium and left femur had no significant difference. The ADC of lumber vertebra, left ilium and left femur showed no correlation with age. Conclusion Understanding of age-related changes of normal adult bone marrow on DWI is very important to differentiate the normal bone marrow and abnormal lesions.

Clinical Value of Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Weighted Imaging on Detection of Malignant Metastases

Objective To evaluate the value of whole-body diffusion weighted imaging （WB-DWI） on detection of malignant metastasis. Methods Forty-six patients with malignant tumors underwent WB-DWI examinations between April 2007 and August 2007 in our hospital. Before WB-DWI examination, the primary cancers of all the patients were confirmed by pathology, and the TNM-stage was assessed with conventional magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） or computed tomography （CT）. WB-DWI was performed using short TI inversion recovery echo-planar imaging （STIR-EPI） sequence. Abnormal high signal intensities on WB-DWI were considered as metastases. The results of WB-DWI were compared with other imaging modalities. For the assessment of the diagnostic capability of WB-DWI, WB-DWI were compared with CT for demonstrating mediastinal lymph node metastases and lung metastases, and with conventional MRI for demonstrating metastases in other locations. Results WB-DWI demonstrated 143 focuses, 14 routine imaging. The number of bone metastases depicted of which were diagnosed to be benign lesions in on WB-DWI and routine imaging was 85 and 86; lymph node metastases was 17 and 18; liver metastases was 14 and 14; lung metastases was 4 and 8; and brain metastases was 6 and 8, respectively. WB-DWI failed to detect 12 metastatic lesions including 3 osteoplastic bone metastases, 4 lung metastases, 3 mediastinal lymph node metastases, and 2 brain metastases Four metastatic lesions including 2 deltopectoral lymph nodes and 2 rib metastases were detected with WB-DWI alone, all of which evolved greatly during clinical follow-up for more than 6 months. WB-DWI had higher detection rates for metastatic lesions in liver, bone, and lymph nodes than those in lung and brain （ X^2=30, P〈0.001）. Conclusions WB-DWI could detect most of metastatic lesions that were diagnosed with conventional MRI and CT. The limitations of WB-DWI might be had high false-positive rate and low efficiency in detecting mecliastinal lymph node, brain, and lung metastases.

Diffusion weighted imaging in gynecological malignancies-present and future

The management of gynaecological malignancies has undergone a significant change in recent years with our improved understanding of cancer biogenetics, development of new treatment regimens and enhanced screening. Due to the rapid blooming of newer methods and techniques in gynaecology, surgery and oncology the scope and the role of imaging has also widened. Functional imaging in the form of diffusion weighted imaging(DWI) has been recently found to be very useful in assessing various tumours. Its ability to identify changes in the molecular level has dramatically changed the diagnostic approach of radiologists which was solely based on morphological criteria. It can improve the diagnostic accuracy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging, lend a hand in assessing tumour response to treatment regimens and detect tumour recurrence with better spatial resolution, negative radiation and diagnostic accuracy compared to positron emission tomography scan. The ability to quantify the diffusion has also lead to potential prediction of tumour aggressiveness and grade which directly correlate with the patient prognosis and management. Hence, it has become imperative for a radiologist to understand the concepts of DWI and its present and evolving role. In this article we present a brief description of the basics of DWI followed by its role in evaluation of female gynaecological malignancies.

Three-Tesla magnetic resonance elastography for hepatic fibrosis:Comparison with diffusion-weighted imaging and gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of 3-Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for hepatic fibrosis and to compare that with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver:Current applications

Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) of the liver can be performed using most commercially available machines and is currently accepted in routine sequence. This sequence has some potential as an imaging biomarker for fibrosis, tumor detection/characterization, and following/predicting therapy. To improve reliability including accuracy and reproducibility, researchers have validated this new technique in terms of image acquisition, data sampling, and analysis. The added value of DWI in contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging was established in the detection of malignant liver lesions. However, some limitations remain in terms of lesion characterization and fibrosis detection. Furthermore, the methodologies of image acquisition and data analysis have been inconsistent. Therefore, researchers should make every effort to not only improve accuracy and reproducibility but also standardize imaging parameters.

Clinical-radiological-pathological correlation of cavernous sinus hemangioma: Incremental value of diffusion-weighted imaging

AIMTo elucidate the clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pathological features of these lesions and asses the incremental value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing them. METHODSFifteen consecutive patients (11 females and 4 males; mean age 40.93 years; age range 13-63 years) with cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) who underwent examination between November 2008 and May 2016 were included for the analysis. MRI, clinical and surgical findings of each patient was retrospectively reviewed. DWI were also analysed and mean-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was calculated. Eleven patients underwent surgical removal of the lesion and 2 patients had biopsy only. Diagnosis of CSH was confirmed histologically in 13 patients. RESULTSEleven patients (73%) presented with headaches and 10 (66%) had cranial nerve involvement. Extra cavernous sinus extension was noted in 14 (94%). Surgery was performed in 13 (87%) and post-operative radiation was given to 4 (28%) patients. Thirteen patients remained asymptomatic on follow up. Three conspicuous imaging features were highly suggestive of the diagnosis: Lack of diffusion restriction (100%), homogeneous hyperintensity on T2 weighted image sequences (93.3%) and intense post-contrast enhancement (100%). The mean ADC was 1.82 × 10-3 ± 0.2186 cm2/s. CONCLUSIONT1-weighted hypointensity with homogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequences, intense enhancement and absence of hemosiderin within the lesion on GRE sequence favour the diagnosis. Facilitated diffusion on DWI differentiates CSH from other solid cavernous sinus lesions and significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy, a critical factor for planning surgery.

Abdominal applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: Where do we stand?

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is one of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences providing qualitative as well as quantitative information at a cellular level. It has been widely used for various applications in the central nervous system. Over the past decade, various extracranial applications of DWI have been increasingly explored, as it may detect changes even before signal alterations or morphological abnormalities become apparent on other pulse sequences. Initial results from abdominal MRI applications are promising, particularly in oncological settings and for the detection of abscesses. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinically relevant basic concepts of DWI, techniques to perform abdominal DWI, its analysis and applications in abdominal visceral MR imaging, in addition to a brief overview of whole body DWI MRI.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma:Comparison with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging

AIM To compare intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)-derived parameters with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) parameters in predicting the histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma(h CC) and to evaluate the correlation between the parameters and the histological grades.METHODS A retrospective study was performed. Sixty-two patients with surgically confirmed h CCs underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with twelve b values(10-1200 s/mm^2). The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), pure diffusion coefficient(D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D*), and perfusion fraction(f) were calculated by two radiologists. The IVIM and conventional DWI parameters were compared among the different grades by using analysis of variance(ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of distinguishing between low-grade(grade 1, G1) and high-grade(grades 2 and 3, G2 and G3) hC C. The correlation between the parameters and the histological grades was assessed by using the Spearman correlation test. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the two radiologists' measurements.RESULTS The differences in the ADC and D values among the groups with G1, G2, and G3 histological grades of HCCs were statistically significant(P < 0.001). The D* and f values had no significant differences among the different histological grades of h CC(P > 0.05). The ROC analyses demonstrated that the D and ADC values had better diagnostic performance in differentiating the low-grade h CC from the high-grade h CC, with areas under the curve(AUCs) of 0.909 and 0.843, respectively, measured by radiologist 1 and of 0.911 and 0.852, respectively, measured by radiologist 2. The following significant correlations were obtained between the ADC, D, and D~* values and the histological grades: r =-0.619(P < 0.001), r =-0.628(P < 0.001), and r =-0.299(P = 0.018), respectively, as measured by radiologist 1; r =-0.622(P < 0.001), r =-0.633(P < 0.001), and r =-0.303(P = 0.017), respectively, as measured by radiologist 2. The intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC) values between the two observers were 0.996 for ADC, 0.997 for D, 0.996 for D*, and 0.992 for f values, which indicated excellent interobserver agreement in the measurements between the two observers.CONCLUSION The IVIM-derived D and ADC values show better diagnostic performance in differentiating high-grade hC C from low-grade hC C, and there is a moderate to good correlation between the ADC and D values and the histological grades.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to predict response of hepatocellular carcinoma to chemoembolization

AIM: To investigate whether intra-procedural diffusion- weighted magnetic resonance imaging can predict response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during trans- catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Sixteen patients (15 male), aged 59 ±11 years (range: 42-81 years) underwent a total of 21 separate treatments for unresectable HCC in a hybrid magnetic resonance/interventional radiology suite. Ana- tomical imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 0, 500 s/mm2) were performed on a 1.5-T unit. Tumor enhancement and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC, mm2/s) values were assessed immediately before and at 1 and 3 mo after TACE. We calculated the percent change (PC) in ADC values at all time points. We compared follow-up ADC values to baseline values using a paired t test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The intra-procedural sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (%) for detecting a complete or partial 1-mo tumor response using ADC PC thresholds of ±5%, ±10%, and ±15% were 77, 67, 91, and 40; 54, 67, 88, and 25; and 46, 100, 100, and 30, respectively. There was no clear predictive value for the 3-mo follow-up. Compared to baseline, the immediate post-procedure and 1-mo mean ADC values both increased; the latter obtaining statistical significance (1.48 ± 0.29 mm2/s vs 1.65 ± 0.35 × 10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.014). CONCLUSION: Intra-procedural ADC changes of > 15% predicted 1-mo anatomical HCC response with the greatest accuracy, and can provide valuable feedback at the time of TACE.

Lesion discrimination with breath-hold hepatic diffusionweighted imaging:A meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the diagnostic capability of breathhold diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) for differentiation between malignant and benign hepatic lesions.METHODS:A total of 614 malignant liver lesions(132 hepatocellular carcinomas,468 metastases and 14 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas) and 291 benign liver lesions(102 hemangiomas,158 cysts,24 focal nodular hyperplasia,1 angiomyolipoma and 6 hepatic adenomas) were included from seven studies(eight sets of data).RESULTS:The pooled sensitivity and specificity of breath-hold DWI were 0.93 [95% confidence interval(CI):0.91-0.95] and 0.87(95%CI:0.83-0.91),respectively.The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 7.28(95%CI:4.51-11.76) and 0.09(95%CI:0.05-0.17),respectively.The P value for χ2 heterogeneity for all pooled estimates was < 0.05.From the fitted summary receiver operating characteristic curve,the area under the curve and Q * index were 0.96 and 0.91,respectively.Publication bias was not present(t = 0.49,P = 0.64).The meta-regression analysis indicated that evaluated covariates including magnetic resonance imaging modality,echo time,mean age,maximum b factor,and number of b factors were not sources of heterogeneity(all P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Breath-hold DWI is useful for differentiating between malignant and benign hepatic lesions.The diffusion characteristics of benign lesions that mimic malignant ones have rarely been investigated.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging without bowel preparation for detection of ulcerative colitis

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) without bowel preparation,the optimal b value and the changes in apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) in detecting ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS: A total of 20 patients who underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) without bowel preparation and colonoscopy within 24 h were recruited.Biochemical indexes,including C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,hemoglobin,leucocytes,platelets,serum iron and albumin,were determined.Biochemical examinations were then performed within 24 h before or after MR colonography was conducted.DWI was performed at various b values(b = 0,400,600,800,and 1000 s/mm2).Two radiologists independently and blindly reviewed conventional- and contrast-enhanced MR images,DWI and ADC maps; these radiologists also determined ADC in each intestinal segment(rectum,sigmoid,left colon,transverse colon,and right colon).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of DWI hyperintensity from various b factors,ADC values and different radiological signs to detect endoscopic inflammation in the corresponding bowel segment.Optimal ADC threshold was estimated by maximizing the combination of sensitivity and specificity.MRfindings were correlated with endoscopic results and clinical markers; these findings were then estimated by ROC analysis.RESULTS: A total of 100 segments(71 with endoscopic colonic inflammation; 29 normal) were included.The proposed total magnetic resonance score(MR-score-T) was correlated with the total modified Baron score(Baron-T; r = 0.875,P < 0.0001); the segmental MR score(MR-score-S) was correlated with the segmental modified Baron score(Baron-S; r = 0.761,P < 0.0001).MR-score-T was correlated with clinical and biological markers of disease activity(r = 0.445 to 0.831,P < 0.05).MR-score-S > 1 corresponded to endoscopic colonic inflammation with a sensitivity of 85.9%,a specificity of 82.8% and an area under the curve(AUC) of 0.929(P < 0.0001).The accuracy of DWI hyperintensity was significantly greater at b = 800 than at b = 400,600,or 1000 s/mm2(P < 0.05) when endoscopic colonic inflammation was detected.DWI hyperintensity at b = 800 s/mm2 indicated endoscopic colonic inflammation with a sensitivity of 93.0%,a specificity of 79.3% and an AUC of 0.867(P < 0.0001).Quantitative analysis results revealed that ADC values at b = 800 s/mm2 differed significantly between endoscopic inflamed segment and normal intestinal segment(1.56 ± 0.58 mm2/s vs 2.63 ± 0.46 mm2/s,P < 0.001).The AUC of ADC values was 0.932(95% confidence interval: 0.881-0.983) when endoscopic inflammation was detected.The threshold ADC value of 2.18 × 10-3 mm2/s indicated that endoscopic inflammation differed from normal intestinal segment with a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 80.3%.CONCLUSION: DWI combined with conventional MRI without bowel preparation provides a quantitative strategy to differentiate actively inflamed intestinal segments from the normal mucosa to detect UC.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation

AIM:To evaluate the clinical value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(DW-MRI)in predicting the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation.METHODS:This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board,and informed consent was obtained from each patient.Fifteen patients(median age 56 years)with locally advanced rectal cancer were treated in our hospital from June 2006 to December 2007.All patients were stageⅢB-C according to the results of MRI and endorectal ultrasound examinations.All patients underwent pelvic irradiation with 45 Gy/25 fx per 35 days.The concurrent chemotherapy regimen consisted of capecitabine 625mg/m2,bid(Monday-Friday),and oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2,weekly.The patients underwent surgery 5-8 wk after the completion of neoadjuvant therapy.T downstaging was defined as the downstaging of the tumor from cT3to ypT0-2 or from cT4 to ypT0-3.Good regression was defined as TRG 3-4,and poor regression was defined as TRG 0-2.Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained prior to and weekly during the course of neoadjuvant chemoradiation,and the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values were calculated from the acquired tumor images.RESULTS:Comparison with the mean pretreatment tumor ADC revealed an increase in the mean tumor ADC during the course of neoadjuvant chemoradiation,especially at the 2ndweek(P=0.004).We found a strong negative correlation between the mean pretreatment tumor ADC and tumor regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiation(P=0.021).In the T downstage and tumor regression groups,we found a significant increase in the mean ADC at the 2ndweek of neoadjuvant therapy(P=0.011;0.004).CONCLUSION:DW-MRI might be a valuable clinical tool to help predict or assess the response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation at an early timepoint.

Apparent diffusion coefficient by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as a sole biomarker for staging and prognosis of gastric cancer

Objective： To investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging （DW-MRI） when applied to the 7th TNM classification in the staging and prognosis of gastric cancer （GC）. Methods： Between October 2009 and May 2014, a total of 89 patients with non-metastatic, biopsy proven GC underwent 1.5T DW-MRI, and then treated with radical surgery. Tumor ADC was measured retrospectively and compared with final histology following the 7th TNM staging （local invasion, nodal involvement and according to the different groups -- stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ）. Kaplan-Meier curves were also generated. The follow-up period is updated to May 2016. Results： Median follow-up period was 33 months and 45/89 （51%） deaths from GC were observed. ADC was significantly different both for local invasion and nodal involvement （P〈0.001）. Considering final histology as the reference standard, a preoperative ADC cut-offof 1.80×10-3 mm^2/s could distinguish between stages I and Ⅱ and an ADC value of ≤1.36-10-3 mm^2/s was associated with stage Ⅲ（P〈0.001）. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that the survival rates for the three prognostic groups were significantly different according to final histology and ADC cut-offs （P〈0.001）. Conclusions： ADC is different according to local invasion, nodal involvement and the 7th TNM stage groups for GC, representing a potential, additional prognostic biomarker. The addition of DW-MRI could aid in the staging and risk stratification of GC.

Liver intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for the assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in children

AIM To evaluate the correlation between intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) parameters and the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in children.METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. The children(≤ 18 years) who underwent liver IVIM DWI with 8 b-values under the suspicion of hepatic steatosis or fibrosis from February 2013 to November 2016 were included. Subjects were divided into normal, fatty liver(FAT), and fibrotic liver(FIB) groups. The slow diffusion coefficient(D), fast diffusion coefficient(D*), perfusion fraction(f), and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) were measured. MR proton density fat fraction(PDFF), MR elastography(MRE), and IVIM values were compared.RESULTS A total of 123 children(median age of 12 years old, range: 6-18 years) were included, with 8 in the normal group, 93 in the FAT group, and 22 in the FIB group. The D* values were lower in the FIB group compared with those of the normal(P = 0.015) and FAT(P = 0.003) groups. The f values were lower in the FIB group compared with the FAT group(P = 0.001). In multivariate analyses, PDFF value was positively correlated with f value(β = 3.194, P < 0.001), and MRE value was negatively correlated with D* value(β =-7.031, P = 0.032). The D and ADC values were not influenced by PDFF or MRE value.CONCLUSION In liver IVIM DWI with multiple b-values in children, there was a positive correlation between hepatic fat and blood volume, and a negative correlation between hepatic stiffness and endovascular blood flow velocity, while diffusion-related parameters were not affected.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Can LI-RADS v2017 with gadoxetic-acid enhancement magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging improve diagnostic accuracy?

BACKGROUND The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LI-RADS), supported by the American College of Radiology(ACR), has been developed for standardizing the acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and data collection of liver imaging examinations in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Diffusionweighted imaging(DWI), which is described as an ancillary imaging feature of LI-RADS, can improve the diagnostic efficiency of LI-RADS v2017 with gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for HCC.AIM To determine whether the use of DWI can improve the diagnostic efficiency of LIRADS v2017 with gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance MRI for HCC.METHODS In this institutional review board-approved study, 245 observations of high risk of HCC were retrospectively acquired from 203 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI from October 2013 to April 2018. Two readers independently measured the maximum diameter and recorded the presence of each lesion and assigned scores according to LI-RADS v2017. The test was used to determine the agreement between the two readers with or without DWI. In addition, the sensitivity(SE), specificity(SP), accuracy(AC), positive predictive value(PPV), and negative predictive value(NPV) of LI-RADS were calculated.Youden index values were used to compare the diagnostic performance of LIRADS with or without DWI.RESULTS Almost perfect interobserver agreement was obtained for the categorization of observations with LI-RADS(kappa value: 0.813 without DWI and 0.882 with DWI). For LR-5, the diagnostic SE, SP, and AC values were 61.2%, 92.5%, and71.4%, respectively, with or without DWI; for LR-4/5, they were 73.9%, 80%, and75.9% without DWI and 87.9%, 80%, and 85.3% with DWI; for LR-4/5/M, they were 75.8%, 58.8%, and 70.2% without DWI and 87.9%, 58.8%, and 78.4% with DWI; for LR-4/5/TIV, they were 75.8%, 75%, and 75.5% without DWI and 89.7%,75%, and 84.9% with DWI. The Youden index values of the LI-RADS classification without or with DWI were as follows: LR-4/5: 0.539 vs 0.679; LR-4/5/M: 0.346 vs 0.467; and LR-4/5/TIV: 0.508 vs 0.647.CONCLUSION LI-RADS v2017 has been successfully applied with gadoxetate-enhanced MRI for patients at high risk for HCC. The addition of DWI significantly increases the diagnostic efficiency for HCC.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reflects activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 during focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Signal transducer and activator of transcription（STAT）is a unique protein family that binds to DNA,coupled with tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways,acting as a transcriptional regulator to mediate a variety of biological effects.Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion can activate STATs signaling pathway,but no studies have confirmed whether STAT activation can be verified by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging（DWI）in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.Here,we established a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia injury using the modified Longa method.DWI revealed hyperintensity in parts of the left hemisphere before reperfusion and a low apparent diffusion coefficient.STAT3 protein expression showed no significant change after reperfusion,but phosphorylated STAT3 expression began to increase after 30 minutes of reperfusion and peaked at 24 hours.Pearson correlation analysis showed that STAT3 activation was correlated positively with the relative apparent diffusion coefficient and negatively with the DWI abnormal signal area.These results indicate that DWI is a reliable representation of the infarct area and reflects STAT phosphorylation in rat brain following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

Meta-analysis of Quantitative Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Pancreatic Masses

There have been numerous studies done to explore the diagnostic performance of quanti- tative diffusion-weighted （DW） MR imaging to differentiate between benign and malignant pancre- atic masses. However, the results have been inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether DW-MR imaging can differentiate between these two diseases. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were utilized to find relevant articles published between January 2001 and January 2014. A Stata version 12.0 and a Meta-Disc version 1.4 were used to de- scribe primary results. Twelve studies with 594 patients, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were enrolled for the analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of DW imaging was 0.91 （95% CI： 0.84, 0.95） and 0.86 （95% CI： 0.76, 0.93） respectively. The area under the curve of the summary re- ceiver operating characteristic was 0.95 （95% CI： 0.93, 0.96）. The results indicated that DW imaging might be a valuable tool for differentiating benign and malignant pancreatic masses.

Image Quality Stability of Whole-body Diffusion Weighted Imaging

Objective To assess the reproducibility of whole-body diffusion weighted imaging(WB-DWI) technique in healthy volunteers under normal breathing with background body signal suppression.Methods WB-DWI was performed on 32 healthy volunteers twice within two-week period using short TI inversion-recovery diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging sequence and built-in body coil.The volunteers were scanned across six stations continuously covering the entire body from the head to the feet under normal breathing.The bone apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and exponential ADC(eADC) of regions of interest(ROIs) were measured.We analyzed correlation of the results using paired-t-test to assess the reproducibility of the WB-DWI technique.Results We were successful in collecting and analyzing data of 64 WB-DWI images.There was no significant difference in bone ADC and eADC of 824 ROIs between the paired observers and paired scans(P>0.05).Most of the images from all stations were of diagnostic quality.Conclusion The measurements of bone ADC and eADC have good reproducibility.WB-DWI technique under normal breathing with background body signal suppression is adequate.

Optimal b value of diffusion-weighted imaging on a 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner in Crohn's disease

AIM: To determine the optimal b value of diffusion-weighted imaging for detecting active inflammation in Crohn&#x02019;s disease.