title: Integrative role of MRI in the evaluation of primary biliary cirrhosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of liver fibrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The following MRI findings were reviewed in 44 patients: periportal T2-weighted hyperintensity, periportal halo sign (T1- and T2-weighted periportal hypointensity), lymphadenopathy, signs of portal hypertension and morphological liver changes. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated for six locations in the liver for b = 800 s/mm(2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Periportal hyperintensity and periportal halo sign were observed in 72.7% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. Lymphadenopathy was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and diffuse hepatomegaly in 18 (40.9%). Significant positive correlation was observed between histological stage and periportal halo sign (p = 0.613), hepatomegaly (p = 0.443), and portosystemic collaterals (p = 0.391). The mean ADCs (×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly different at stage I versus III and IV, and stage II versus IV. No significant difference was found between stages II and III. For prediction of stage ≥ II and stage ≥ III areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.879 and 0.906, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI with DWI could be used as a part of diagnostic protocol in the further evaluation of PBC patients providing noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis progression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • MRI provides insight into the morphological liver changes in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) • The periportal "halo" sign is a highly specific finding in PBC • Diffusion-weighted MR imaging allows noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis grade.
authors: Center for Radiology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. jelenadjokic2003@yahoo.co.uk
authors: Jelena Djokić
authors: JD
authors: Kovač
authors: Rada
authors: R
authors: Ješić
authors: Dejana
authors: D
authors: Stanisavljević
authors: Bojan
authors: B
authors: Kovač
authors: Bojan
authors: B
authors: Banko
authors: Petar
authors: P
authors: Seferović
authors: Ružica
authors: R
authors: Maksimović
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001706:Biopsy; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve