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Comparison and optimization of b value combinations for diffusion-weighted imaging in discriminating hepatic fibrosis

  • Hepatobiliary
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Abstract

Introduction and objectives

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has shown potential in characterizing hepatic fibrosis. However, there are no widely accepted apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for the b value combination. This study aims to determine the optimal high and low b values of DWI to assess hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Materials and methods

The prospective study included 81 patients with chronic liver disease and 21 healthy volunteers who underwent DWI, Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and liver biopsy. The ADC was calculated by twenty combinations of nine b values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 800, 1000, 1200, and 1500 s/mm2).

Results

All ADC values of the healthy volunteers were significantly higher than those of the hepatic fibrosis group (all P < 0.01). With the progression of hepatic fibrosis, ADC values significantly decreased in b value combinations (100 and 1000 s/mm2, 150 and 1200 s/mm2, 200 and 800 s/mm2, and 200 and 1000 s/mm2). ADC values derived from b values of both 200 and 800 s/mm2 and 200 and 1000 s/mm2 were found to be more discriminative for differentiating the stages of hepatic fibrosis. An excellent correlation was between the ADC200–1000 value and MRE shear stiffness (r = − 0.750, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

DWI offers an alternative to MRE as a useful imaging marker for detecting and staging hepatic fibrosis. Clinically, ADC values for b values ranging from 200–800 s/mm2 to 200–1000 s/mm2 are recommended for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis.

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Data availability

Data can be made available upon reasonable request to the senior author.

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Author notes

  1. Jiaoyan Wang and Xue Zhou have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Jiaoyan Wang, Mingrong Yao, Wenli Tan, Songhua Zhan & Jie Yuan

  2. Department of Radiology, Central Hospital of Jiangjin District and Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, 402260, China

    Xue Zhou

  3. Department of Pathology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Kun Liu & Zhen Feng

  4. Clinical Research Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Huamei Yan

  5. MR Collaboration, United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, 200030, China

    Yongming Dai

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  1. Jiaoyan Wang
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Wang, J., Zhou, X., Yao, M. et al. Comparison and optimization of b value combinations for diffusion-weighted imaging in discriminating hepatic fibrosis. Abdom Radiol 49, 1113–1121 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-04159-7

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