Toshiki Kazama MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Seiji M. Yamamoto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Takuro Horikoshi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Takashi Higashide, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ryota Shimofusa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hisao Ito MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fusion of DWI and ADC map may help to identify and characterize many lesions in the brain and body.

The usefulness of diffusion-weighted images (DWI) in the brain and cancer detection in the body has been reported. The DWIs are inherently T2-weighted, changes in tissue T2 can influence the appearance of DWI independent of tissue diffusibility. In order to exclude T2 shine-through effect, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is calculated. However, because the organs are often heterogeneous in signal intensity, localization of possible lesions on ADC maps is not easy on ordinary viewer. Further, ADC values of cancers are ranged in specific values, for example 0.6-1.4x1 x 10-3mm2 /second in breast cancer when b-factor values are 800s/mm2. However, the gray-scale ADC maps don’t provide ADC value visually. Colored ADC maps may be necessary. Hence we have developed a fusion software, in which ADC maps are colored according to ADC values, and the colored ADC maps and DWI are fused automatically. The purpose of this study is to examine the usefulness of fusion of DWI and colored ADC maps.  

Diffusion weighted images of the brain, breast, and abdomen were obtained with various b factors. ADC maps were made. All images were exported by DICOM protocol and transferred to a personal computer. Using the special fusion software, ADC maps were colored and fused with DWI . In brain disorders such as carbon monoxide poisoning, lacunar infarcts, we examined if exact localization of lesions help to detect ADC changes. In mass lesions in the body such as hepatic hamangiomas, cysts, metastatic liver tumors, pancreas cancers, pancreatitis, and breast cancers, we examined if coloring of ADC maps helps to differentiate these lesions.

 In all of the patients fusion images provide useful information. In patients with breast cancer and patients with carbon monoxide poisoning, fusion images helped to identify ADC changes in the lesions. In patients with pancreas cancer or patients with liver tumors, all malignant tumors, inflammation, and hemangiomas are hyperintense on DWI, on the other hand, they are differentiated by colored ADC maps.  

Kazama, T, Yamamoto, S, Horikoshi, T, Higashide, T, Shimofusa, R, Ito, H, Simultaneous Expression of Diffusion-weighted Images and ADC Maps: Initial Experience.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8011240.html