扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

Objective To investigate the value of MR DWI in comparing inflammatory with metastastic lymph node in animal models of lymph disease.Methods Eighteen rabbits with benign lymphadenopathy and 9 rabbits with malignant lymphadenopathy underwent routine MRI and DWI examination.Independent-samples t test was used to compare the sizes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the two groups.Results Thirty-four inflammatory lymph nodes and 18 metastastic lymph nodes were observed .The size of lymph nodes was (8.14±2.79) and (6.29±1.48) mm in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the sizes of the two groups (t=2.624, P 0.05).Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was (1.19±0.31)×10-3mm2/s and (1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s in the benign and malignant groups, respectively.There was no significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (t=1.449,P 0.05).Conclusion DWI sequence can be used to show lymphadenopathy, but the ADC value is insufficient to differentiate benign lymph nodes from malignant lymphadenopathy.     

Detection of lymph node metastasis in cervical and uterine cancers by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 3T

PURPOSE: To evaluate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for detection of pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical and uterine cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for pelvic lymph node dissection were enrolled for 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a single-shot echo-planar DWI technique, body-phased array coil, b = 0, 1000 s/mm(2). We measured short/long-axis diameters, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of all identifiable nodes, relative ADC values between tumors and nodes, and utilized their cutoff values to validate the diagnostic accuracy internally. Histopathologic results served as the reference standard. RESULTS: The relative ADC values between tumor and nodes were significantly lower in metastatic than in benign nodes (0.06 vs. 0.21 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P < 0.001; cutoff value 0.10 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s). Compared to conventional MRI, the method combining size and relative ADC values resulted in better sensitivity (25% vs. 83%) and similar specificity (98% vs. 99%). The smallest metastatic lymph node detected by this method measured 5 mm on its short axis. CONCLUSION: The combination of size and relative ADC values was useful in detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical and uterine cancers.     

3.0T MR DWI预测鼻咽癌放化疗敏感性的研究

目的探讨3.0 T MR扩散加权成像(DWI)在评估鼻咽癌(NPC)放化疗(CRT)疗效中的价值,预测NPC对CRT的敏感性。方法收集32例经病理证实的NPC病人,行常规MRI及DWI检查,测量CRT前与CRT5周时NPC及转移性淋巴结最大者的体积和ADC值。以CRT后1个月病理活检和MRI检查作为疗效评价标准将NPC分为低敏感与高敏感组,比较CRT 5周时NPC低敏感组与高敏感组ADC值、治疗前后ADC值变化率(ΔADC)及体积消退率(ΔV)的差异;分析影响NPC CRT敏感性的相关因素。结果CRT 5周时NPC ADC值、ΔADC及ΔV在高、低敏感组之间差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),ΔADC为鉴别低敏感与高敏感组最佳指标,其截断值为98.125%,敏感度为95.5%,特异度为90%。非线性Logistic回归分析影响NPC CRT敏感性的相关因素(性别、年龄、治疗方式、T分期及ΔADC),结果显示ΔADC是影响NPC CRT敏感程度的独立预后因素,其相对风险度为1.155。结论 DWI对于评价NPC CRT疗效有重要作用。CRT 5周时NPC ADC值、ΔADC及ΔV都能有效预测NPC CRT敏感性,ΔADC是预测NPC CRT敏感性的最佳指标及独立预后因素。     

DWI评估宫颈癌盆腔淋巴结转移的应用价值

目的探讨扩散加权成像(DWI)对于鉴别宫颈癌转移与非转移淋巴结的诊断价值。资料与方法 36例宫颈癌初诊患者于治疗前行常规MRI及DWI检查,观察并比较宫颈癌转移淋巴结与非转移淋巴结常规MRI及表观扩散系数(ADC)图表现,测量各淋巴结的长径(L)、短径(S)、T2信号强度、平均ADC值和最小ADC值,利用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积(Az)评价上述各项指标鉴别宫颈癌转移与非转移淋巴结的诊断效能。结果转移淋巴结短径和长径的平均秩次均大于非转移淋巴结,且两者差异具有统计学意义(均为P=0.000),而转移淋巴结与非转移淋巴结的L/S、S/L以及T2信号强度差异均无统计学意义(P=0.261;P=0.157;P=0.166);转移淋巴结的平均ADC值和最小ADC值均低于非转移淋巴结,且差异均具有统计学意义(均为P=0.000);短径、长径、平均ADC值和最小ADC值对鉴别宫颈癌转移与非转移淋巴结均有诊断意义(Az>0.5),其中最小ADC值的诊断效能最高,选取最小ADC阈值为0.983×10-3mm2/s时,其敏感性和特异性分别为94.6%和91.8%。结论 DWI有助于宫颈癌转移和非转移淋巴结的检出,最小A...     

Comparison between malignant and benign abdominal lymph nodes on diffusion-weighted imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to review the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of benign and metastatic abdominal lymph nodes on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with a total of 40 benign (20 patients) and 16 malignant (8 patients) lymph nodes who underwent DWI MRI of the abdomen (b = 0.600) were enrolled in the study. ADC values of the lymph nodes were measured and comparison was made between benign and malignant groups. RESULTS: Mean ADC value of lymph nodes was 2.38 +/- 0.29 and 1.84 +/- 0.37 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec in the benign and malignant groups, respectively. There was a significant statistical difference between the ADC values of benign and malignant lymph nodes (P < .0005). CONCLUSION: A wide range of ADC values exist in patients with metastatic abdominal lymph nodes, with a tendency of higher ADC values in benign lymph nodes.     

扩散加权成像鉴别兔炎性及转移性淋巴结肿大的实验研究

目的 探讨DWI鉴别兔良、恶性淋巴结肿大的价值.方法 对18只炎性增生性兔淋巴结(34个)肿大模型和9只肿瘤转移性兔淋巴结(18个)肿大模型进行常规MR和DWI检查,并采用独立样本t检验比较2组淋巴结短径和ADC值的差异.结果 对34个炎性增生型淋巴结和18个肿瘤转移性淋巴结进行了观察,炎性组和转移组淋巴结的短径分别为(8.14±2.79)和(6.29±1.48)mm,差异无统计学意义(t=2.624,P>0.05).炎症组和转移组淋巴结的ADC值分别为(1.19±0.31)×10-3和(1.31±0.27)×10-3mm2/s,差异无统计学意义(t=1.449,P>0.05).结论 DWI可显示肿大的淋巴结,但其ADC值差异不大,不足以作为比较并鉴别淋巴结良恶性的手段.     

MR IVIM-DWI 及 DCE-MRI 对直肠癌系膜淋巴结良恶性的诊断价值

目的：探讨 MR 体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(IVIM-DWI)及动态增强磁共振成像(DCE-MRI)在鉴别直肠癌直肠系膜淋巴结转移的应用价值。方法38例经病理确诊为直肠癌的患者,术前行 IVIM-DWI 及 DCE-MRI 检查。比较转移性淋巴结(n=28)与非转移性淋巴结(n=27)的短径、短径-长径比、IVIM-DWI 参数值[表观扩散系数(ADC)、单纯扩散系数(D)、伪扩散系数(D?)和灌注分数(f)]及 DCE-MRI 半定量参数值[曲线上升斜率(Slope)、最大上升斜率(Maxslope)、对比增强比(CER)、对比剂清除率(Washout)、达峰时间(TTP)、前90 s 增强曲线下面积(iAUC90)和前180 s 增强曲线下面积(iAUC180)]。结果转移性与非转移性淋巴结在平均短径(8.87 mm±2.829 mm vs 6.83 mm±1.075 mm)、D 值[(0.824±0.113)×10-3 mm2/s vs (1.033±0.244)×10-3 mm2/s)]、CER(1.588±0.664 vs 1.054±0.419)、iAUC90(22.89±9.83 vs 13.59±5.34)和 iAUC180(49.38±20.19 vs 30.31±11.67)上差异有统计学意义(P ≤0.001);在短径-长径比、ADC 值、D?值、f 值及 Slope、Maxslope、Washout、TTP 上无统计学差异(P >0.05)。鉴别转移性及非转移性淋巴结的最佳阈值(各自的曲线下面积、敏感性、特异性)分别为：短径=7.1 mm(0.744、64.2%、85.1%)、D=0.906×10-3 mm2/s (0.821、81.5%、75.0%)、CER=1.05(0.749、85.7%、62.9%)、iAUC90=13.42(0.780、85.7%、62.9%)及 iAUC180=49.65(0.770、50.0%、100%)。结论IVIM-DWI 及 DCE-MRI 在鉴别直肠癌直肠系膜转移性及非转移性淋巴结的诊断中具有一定的意义。     

MR背景抑制扩散加权成像在乳腺癌的应用

目的 探讨MR扩散加权成像(DWI)结合短时间反转恢复回波成像(STIR-EPI)背景抑制(BS)技术在乳腺癌成像的技术参数及其可行性.方法 回顾性分析26例乳腺癌的MR DWIBS测得各组织的表观扩散系数(ADC),利用三维最大强度投影(3D-MIP)重组及黑白反转技术,观察病变显示效果.观察乳腺痛DWI及DWIBS两种方法的显示率.对乳腺各组织的ADC值进行随机区组设计的方差分析,在乳腺癌与良性病变ADC值的比较中,采用t检验.对两种成像方法乳腺癌的显示率进行配对资料X2检验.结果 在扩散敏感因子(b)=800 mm2/s的图像中,乳腺癌多表现为高信号,其ADC值分别为:肿瘤实质(0.93±0.25)×10-3 mm2/s、瘤内坏死灶(2.06±0.17)×10-3 mm2/s、正常腺体(1.92±0.23)×10-3 mm2/s、转移性淋巴结(1.10 ± 0.14)×10-3mm2/s,各种组织间两两比较,差异具有统计学意义(P值均＜0.01).DWIBS经MIP重组及黑白反转技术,病变周围组织信号被抑制,得到类正电子发射体层成像(PET)图像.在乳腺癌中,DWIBS对肿瘤实质(92.3/)及转移性淋巴结(88.4/)的显示率要高于DWI序列(分别为57.6/和42.3/),差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为8.307、12.235,P均＜0.05).乳腺癌与良性病变ADC值分别为(1.092±0·17)×10-3和(2.154±0.53)×10-3mm2/s,差异有统计学意义(t=8.626,P＜0.05).结论 MRDWIBS在显示病灶方面有一定优势,应用DWI结合ADC值对乳腺癌的诊断具有临床应用前景.     

Feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes: early experience

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 125 patients who underwent lymph node dissection for uterine cervical cancer, DWI was performed at b value of 0 and 1000 s/mm2. By referring to the surgical maps of the pelvic lymph nodes, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was compared in the metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes, and receiver-operating-characteristics analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ADC in differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes. RESULTS: The ADC were significantly lower in the metastatic lymph nodes (0.7651x10(-3) mm2/s+/-0.1137) than in the nonmetastatic lymph nodes (1.0021x10(-3) mm2/s+/-0.1859; P<0.001). The area-under-the-curve of ADC for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes, was 0.902. The sensitivity and specificity of ADC for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes, were 87% for the ADC and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DWI is feasible for differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes in patients with uterine cervical cancer.     

颈部病变淋巴结实质区和坏死区表观扩散系数值的鉴别诊断价值

目的 探讨淋巴结实质区和坏死区的表观扩散系数(ADC)值对颈部淋巴结病变的鉴别诊断价值.方法 对36例颈部淋巴结转移癌、19例淋巴瘤和23例淋巴结结核患者进行扩散加权成像(DWI),测量并比较不同病变巾淋巴结实质区和坏死区的ADC值,评价两者对3种淋巴结病变的鉴别诊断能力.共对病理(114枚)和临床随访(63枚)证实的177枚淋巴结进行ADC值的测量和分析,其中转移癌性淋巴结84枚,淋巴瘤性淋巴结40枚,结核性淋巴结53枚.2组均数的比较采用独立样本t检验,2组以卜均数的比较采用单向方差分析(one-way ANOVA).结果 转移癌、淋巴瘤和结核的淋巴结实质区的ADC值分别为(0.93±0.16)、(0.64±0.13)和(1.01±0.11)×10-3mm2/s(F=82.928,P<0.01),淋巴结转移癌和结核中淋巴结坏死区的ADC值分别为(2.02±0.36)、(1.25±0.15)×10-3mm2/s(t=12.045,P<0.01).当淋巴结实质区的ADC值≤0.77×10-3mm2/s时,诊断为淋巴瘤的敏感度、特异度分别为83%和89%.当淋巴结坏死区的ADC值≥1.60×10-3mm2/s时,诊断为淋巴结转移癌的敏感度、特异度分别为88%、100%.结论 测量淋巴结的ADC值,尤其是坏死区的ADC值有助于淋巴结病变的鉴别诊断.     

Discrimination of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with gastric carcinoma using diffusion‐weighted imaging

Purpose:

To determine the accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in discrimination of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in gastric carcinoma with rigorous histopathological correlation.

Materials and Methods:

With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 28 patients with gastric carcinoma underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI before surgery. LNs were resected at surgery and thereafter submitted for histopathological analyses. All histopathologically identified LNs (≥5 mm) that exactly matched the location and size of nodes on MRI/DWI were submitted to lesion‐by‐lesion analyses. Short‐axis diameter, border irregularity, enhanced patterns, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of each LN were recorded. Each measurement was compared between metastatic and benign LNs, confirmed by nodal histopathology. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the capability of morphological and ADC measurements in distinguishing metastatic lymph nodes.

Results:

The median ADC value of metastatic nodes was significantly lower (1.28 × 10^?3 mm²/sec; interquartile range, 1.20–1.31) than that of benign (1.55; 1.47–1.73) nodes (P < 0.001). DWI showed greater diagnostic accuracy in determining metastatic nodes (AUC = 0.857) than the combined morphological measurements of short‐axis, border irregularity, and enhanced patterns (AUC = 0.746, P = 0.03). Adding ADC values to the combined morphologic criteria demonstrated the greatest predictive power (AUC = 0.889).

Conclusion:

DWI may provide great potential in effective discrimination of metastatic LNs in gastric carcinoma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1436–1444. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.