The diagnostic value of Diffusion- Weighted MRI in differentiating benign and malignant hepatic leisons

Abstract

In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of DW MRI in differentiating liver masses from benign or malignant is investigated. Methods & Materials Our statistical population of all patients who had a solid mass found in ultrasound or CT scan and was undergoing DW MRI in one year. Findings of the DW MRI are reviewed and evaluated by a radiologist and are based on CT scan and ultrasound findings. The final diagnosis based on pathology or serum markers (such as alpha-protein) is also adapted to radiological diagnosis and also after a 6 months follow up of patients . Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of the DW MRI are calculated based on the Gold standard (Pathology) results. Results The two groups were gender matched. There was a significant difference in age distribution between the two groups. However, based on the data obtained with high certainty, the sensitivity of 97.6% and 98.7% specificity for DW MRI were obtained using ADC in detecting malignant cases from benign (p = 0.0001) , ( AUC = 0.99 )