title: Diffusion-weighted MRI of focal cystic pancreatic lesions at 3.0-Tesla: preliminary results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the utility of 3.0-Tesla diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for focal cystic pancreatic lesion (FCPL) characterization.
  
  
  METHODS
  55 FCPL (34 IPMN, 5 serous cystadenoma, and 16 inflammatory) were evaluated. Two radiologists reviewed in consensus DW-MRI images. Reference standard was obtained from patient history, cytological and histopathology data, FCPL fluid analysis, and follow-up imaging results. Signal intensity (SI) and apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) of FCPL and normal pancreas were measured. FCPL-to-pancreas SI and ADC ratios were also calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitatively, 11 of 21 non-mucinous vs. 4 of 34 mucinous lesions appeared hyperintense at b value of 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.02). Three FCPL demonstrated restricted diffusion: all inflammatory. Significant differences in mean ADC between neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic (P = 0.009), and mucinous vs. non-mucinous (P = 0.013) lesions were demonstrated. FCPL-to-pancreas ADC and SI ratios demonstrated significant differences between neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic lesions [ADC, (P = 0.019); SI for b values 750 (P = 0.010) and 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.017)] and mucinous vs. non-mucinous lesions [ADC (P = 0.018); SI for b values 750 (P = 0.013) and 1,000 s/mm(2) (P = 0.015)].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although mean ADC values and FCPL-to-pancreas SI and ADC ratios may be helpful in differentiating FCPL, characterization of individual FCPL by means of 3.0-Tesla DW-MRI appears limited.
authors.affiliation: Division of Abdominal Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Mottola
authors.forename: V Anik
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.forename: Sukru M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Erturk
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Koenraad J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Mortele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018293:Cystadenoma, Serous / Q000175:diagnosis; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult