Diagnostic Utility of Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in the Evaluation of Focal Hepatic Lesions: an Observational Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has emerged as a valuable imaging modality in oncologic diagnostics by leveraging differences in the diffusion of water molecules across tissue compartments. Apparent diffusion coefcient (ADC) values derived from DW-MRI offer a quantitative approach to lesion characterization. Objectives: To evaluate the role of ADC values on DW-MRI in differentiating benign from malignant liver lesions and to assess their diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specicity, and accuracy. Materials And Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre, Faridabad, including 50 patients with hepatic lesions identied through imaging or biopsy. All participants underwent MRI with diffusion-weighted sequences on a 1.5T system. ADC values were quantitatively assessed for each lesion. Data were analyzed using standard statistical tests, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine diagnostic performance. Results: The mean ADC value for malignant lesions was signicantly lower (0.738 ± 0.051 ×10⁻³ mm²/s) compared to benign lesions (1.98 ± 1.163 ×10⁻³ mm²/s, p < 0.001). All malignant lesions exhibited hyperintensity on DWI and restricted diffusion. ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.795, with an optimal ADC cut-off value of 1.085 ×10⁻³ mm²/s, achieving 100% sensitivity, 75% specicity, and 92.0% overall diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: ADC values obtained through DW-MRI offer a reliable, non-invasive imaging biomarker for differentiating benign from malignant liver lesions. Integration of ADC analysis into standard imaging protocols can enhance diagnostic accuracy, minimize unnecessary invasive procedures, and support clinical decision-making in the management of hepatic tumors.
Authors: Angel Dhingra, Harmeet Kaur Sodhi, Vijay Kumar Goyal, Niraj Kumar, Sanyam Katyal, Anuj Bahl
Institution: Artemis Hospitals
Language: English
Topic: MRI in cancer diagnosis
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410059842