Xiaoping Yang, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ke Ren MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Wenge Sun MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Xu Ke MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the incremental value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in addition to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in diagnosing extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC); to determine the most appropriate b value for DWI on 3.0T MRI.

Preoperative MRI examinations were performed for 63 patients with suspected EHCC. The examinations included T2-weighted imaging, coronal fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA), MRCP and DWI sequence with different b values (500, 1000 and 1200s/mm2). All cases were confirmed by histopathological diagnosis. Two radiologists in consensus reviewed MRCP imaging and combined MRCP and DWI imaging with ADC maps, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, signal-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-intensity ratio (SIR) under various b values were calculated.

There were significant differences in sensitivity (74.4% vs 94.9%), specificity (75% vs 100%) and accuracy (74.6% vs 96.8%) between MRCP alone and combined MRCP and DWI with a b value of 1000 s/mm2 (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in ADC, SNR, CNR and SIR under various b values (P<0.05).

For diagnosing EHCC, the use of combined MRCP and DWI shows a better diagnostic performance; the b value of 1000 s/mm2 is the most appropriate for DWI on 3.0T MRI.

The use of combined MRCP and DWI can improve diagnostic performance for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(EHCC). DWI can also provide additional clinically important information and is recommended to patients presenting with an EHCC or suspected EHCC.  

Yang, X, Ren, K, Sun, W, Ke, X, The Incremental Value of 3T Diffusion-weighted MRI in Diagnosing Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001747.html