Diffusion‐weighted MRI in the characterization of soft‐tissue tumors

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Abstract
Purpose: To explore the potential of perfusion‐corrected diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing soft‐tissue tumors.Materials and Methods: Diffusion‐weighted MRI was performed in 23 histologically proven soft‐tissue masses using a diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo sequence with diffusion gradient strengths yielding five b‐values (0–701 seconds/mm2). True diffusion coefficients and perfusion fractions were estimated and compared with apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs).Results: ADC values of all tumors, subcutaneous fat, and muscle were significantly higher than true diffusion coefficients, indicating a contribution of perfusion to the ADC. True diffusion coefficients of malignant tumors (1.08 × 10–3 mm2/second) were significantly lower than those of benign masses (1.71 × 10–3 mm2/second), whereas ADC values between these groups were not significantly different.Conclusion: Perfusion‐corrected diffusion‐weighted MRI has potential in differentiating benign from malignant soft‐tissue masses. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:302–307.