Role of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in chest wall masses

Purpose

To determine the role of diffusion weighted MR imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in chest wall masses.

Materials and methods

This study included 62 patients with chest wall masses. They underwent routine MR imaging and diffusion MR weighted imaging on a 1.5 T MR unit (Symphony-Siemens). Diffusion MR imaging was done with diffusion factor b value of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm². The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map was reconstructed. The signal intensity was visually assessed on ADC maps and ADC value was measured in chest wall lesions. The mean ADC values correlated with histo-pathological results.

Results

Adequate ADC maps were obtained in 62 patients. The mean ADC values of chest wall lesions were 1.76 ± 0.08 × 10⁻³ mm²/s in inflammatory lesion, 3.21 ± 0.05 × 10⁻³ mm²/s in the cystic lesions, 1.67 ± 0.03 × 10⁻³ mm²/s in neurofibroma, 2.12 ± 0.07 × 10⁻³ in haemangioma, and 0.89 ± 0.06 × 10⁻³ mm²/s in malignant tumors. The mean ADC value of the malignant tumor was significantly different from that of benign chest wall tumors (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Diffusion weighted MR imaging is a new imaging modality for differentiation malignant from benign chest wall masses. In addition, it has a role in characterization of different malignant and benign tumors.