Role of diffusion-weighted MR in differential diagnosis of intracranial cystic lesions.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in characterizing cerebral cystic lesions. The usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map in lesion characterization was also evaluated.


METHODS
We compared the findings of conventional MR images with those of DWI: 63 cystic masses in 48 patients were examined with routine MR imaging and echo-planar DWI. The routine MR imaging included at least the axial T2- and T1-weighted sequences, and post-contrast T1 axial sequences. The DWI included an echo-planar spin-echo sequence with three values (0, 500 and 1000s/mm(2)) sensitizing gradient in the x, y, z direction, and it obtained an ADC map.


RESULTS
The sensitivity of DWI for differentiating abscesses from primary brain tumours was 100%; for differentiating abscesses from metastatic tumours was 73%; for differentiating benign from malignant lesions was 90%.


CONCLUSIONS
Although some metastatic lesions may appear hyperintense on DWI thus imitating an abscess, evaluation of the lesions with both DWI and conventional MRI may have an important contribution to the differentiation of tumours from abscesses.
Bükte
Y
Y
Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Paksoy
Y
Y
Genç
E
E
Uca
A U
AU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity