Optimization of b value in diffusion-weighted MRI for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant vertebral fractures

• Published in: Skeletal radiology 2007-11, Vol.36 (11), p.1035-1041
• Main Authors: Tang, Guangyu, Liu, Yong, Li, Wei, Yao, Jiping, Li, Baoping, Li, Peng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma - secondary; Diagnosis, Differential; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Echo-Planar Imaging - methods; Female; Fractures, Compression - diagnosis; Fractures, Compression - etiology; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Optimization; Osteoporosis - complications; Osteoporosis - diagnosis; Prospective Studies; Spinal Fractures - diagnosis; Spinal Fractures - etiology; Spinal Injuries - complications; Spinal Injuries - diagnosis; Spinal Neoplasms - complications; Spinal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Spinal Neoplasms - secondary; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0364-2348; 1432-2161
• DOI: 10.1007/s00256-007-0358-7

The objective was to explore the optimal b value in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of MRI for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant vertebral fractures. Thirty-four consecutive patients with vertebral compression fractures underwent sagittal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with different b values. The group included 14 patients with 18 benign vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis and/or trauma and 20 patients with 27 malignant vertebral fractures due to malignancy. The quality of the images was analyzed qualitatively on a three-point scale and quantitatively by measurement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were also calculated. Smaller b values correlated with better DW image quality. We found significant differences in the qualitative points values among the DW images with different b values (F=302.18, p