Diffusion-weighted MRI of the liver—Interpretative pearls and pitfalls

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) is an established technique in neuroradiology and more recently has emerged as a useful adjunct to various oncological applications of MRI. It has an expanding role in the evaluation of liver lesions, offers higher detection rates for small lesi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical radiology 2013-04, Vol.68 (4), p.406-414
Main Authors: Culverwell, A.D, Sheridan, M.B, Guthrie, J.A, Scarsbrook, A.F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Contrast Media
Diagnosis, Differential
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
Gadolinium DTPA
Humans
Image Enhancement - methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods
Liver - pathology
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Diseases - diagnosis
Liver Neoplasms - diagnosis
Radiology
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Summary:Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) is an established technique in neuroradiology and more recently has emerged as a useful adjunct to various oncological applications of MRI. It has an expanding role in the evaluation of liver lesions, offers higher detection rates for small lesions, and can increase confidence in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Other applications include assessment of tumour response to therapy, differentiating tumour from bland thrombus, and assessment of liver fibrosis. DW sequences can be performed on most modern MRI machines with relative ease, in a short time period and without the need for contrast medium. DW MRI can be of value in the detection and characterization of hepatic lesions but there are pitfalls, which can potentially cause interpretative difficulty. This article will review the rationale for DW MRI in liver imaging, demonstrate the clinical utility of the technique in a spectrum of hepatic diseases, and illustrate key interpretative pearls and pitfalls.
ISSN:0009-9260
1365-229X
DOI:10.1016/j.crad.2012.08.008