The Role of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Quantification in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Renal Masses by 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Background: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonanceimaging (DWI) is a widely-accepted diagnostic modality whose efficacy has been investigated by numerouspast studies in the differentiation of malignant lesionsfrom benign entities. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the characterization of renal lesions. Study Design: Diagnostic accuracy study. Methods: A total of 137 patients with renal lesionswere included in this study. The median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values as well as the b 800and b 1600 signal intensities of normal kidneys, solidcomponents of mixed renal masses, and total cystic lesions were evaluated.Results: There were significant differences betweenthe ADC values of lesions and normal renal parenchyma, and between the ADC values of benign and malignant renal lesions on DWIs at b values of 800 and 1600s/mm² (p