The Application of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Diagnosis of Hilar Obstructive Jaundice

Abstract

Objective 

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in diagnosing hilar obstructive jaundice.

Methods 

Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with hilar obstructive jaundice were enrolled in our hospital form January 2017 to January 2018. All the patients received scanning by a 3.0-T nuclear magnetic resonance scanner. The values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)_slow, ADC_fast, and f were obtained and analyzed by 2 experienced radiologists. The differences between patients with hilar biliary obstruction and healthy volunteers in ADC_slow, ADC_fast, and f values were analyzed. Moreover, the differences between benign and malignant obstructive jaundice in ADC_slow, ADC_fast, and f values were analyzed. According to the serum levels of total bilirubin, patients were divided into 3 groups: mild, moderate, and severe obstructive jaundice. The differences between the 3 groups in ADC_slow, ADC_fast, and f values were also analyzed.

Results 

The ADC_fast values were obviously lower in patients with hilar obstructive jaundice than in healthy controls, whereas no significant difference in the values of ADC_slow and f was found between both groups. The optimal cutoff value for ADC_fast was 0.0341. The ADC_fast values were significantly different between patients with benign and malignant hilar obstructive jaundice. The ADC_fast values were negatively associated with the severity of hilar obstructive jaundice.

Conclusions 

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging was a promising method for diagnosing hilar biliary obstruction jaundice.