Diffusion-weighted MRI and FLAIR sequence for differentiation of hydatid cysts and simple cysts in the liver

• Published in: European journal of radiology Open 2021-01, Vol.8, p.100355-100355, Article 100355
• Main Authors: Yalcinoz, Kursad, Ikizceli, Turkan, Kahveci, Servet, Karahan, Okkes Ibrahim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apparent diffusion coefficient; Diffusion-weighted imaging; FLAIR; Hydatid cyst; Simple cyst
• ISSN: 2352-0477; 2352-0477
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2021.100355

•DWI signal characteristics are useful in differentiating between hydatid cysts and simple cysts.•ADC values (b600 and b1000) can distinguish hydatid cyst and simple cyst.•FLAIR sequence contributes to the differentiation of type 2 hydatid and simple cysts. The contribution of DWI and FLAIR to the differential diagnosis of type 1, 2, and 3 hydatid cysts and simple liver cysts was investigated according to the Gharbi classification. This study is the first report using FLAIR sequence for the differential diagnosis of liver hydatid cysts in this regard. A total of 82 hydatid cysts and 40 simple cysts were scanned with DWI (in b600-b1000 values) and FLAIR sequence. In 64 patients included in the study, a total of 122 cystic lesions were diagnosed histopathologically or during follow-up. FLAIR and DWI signal characteristics were evaluated, and ADC values were calculated. The mean ADC value of hydatid cysts on DWI (b600) was 3.07 ± 0.41 × 10−3 s/mm2, while it was 3.91 ± 0.51 × 10−3 s/mm2 for simple cysts and the difference was statistically significant (p