title: Diffusion-weighted MRI in the characterization of soft-tissue tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the potential of perfusion-corrected diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing soft-tissue tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diffusion-weighted MRI was performed in 23 histologically proven soft-tissue masses using a diffusion-weighted spin-echo sequence with diffusion gradient strengths yielding five b-values (0-701 seconds/mm(2)). True diffusion coefficients and perfusion fractions were estimated and compared with apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  ADC values of all tumors, subcutaneous fat, and muscle were significantly higher than true diffusion coefficients, indicating a contribution of perfusion to the ADC. True diffusion coefficients of malignant tumors (1.08 x 10(-3) mm(2)/second) were significantly lower than those of benign masses (1.71 x 10(-3) mm(2)/second), whereas ADC values between these groups were not significantly different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perfusion-corrected diffusion-weighted MRI has potential in differentiating benign from malignant soft-tissue masses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. C.S.P.van_Rijswijk@lumc.nl
authors.forename: Catherina S P
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: van Rijswijk
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: Pancras C W
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hogendoorn
authors.forename: Antonïe H M
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Taminiau
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Doornbos
authors.forename: Johan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bloem
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004058:Diffusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010477:Perfusion; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology