The role of different apparent diffusion coefficient values in differentiating malignant from benign solid tumors of the pediatric abdomen and pelvis

Authors : Buğra Kaan AŞILIOĞLU, Çiğdem ÖZTUNALI

Pages : 90-97

Doi:10.17941/agd.1348973

View : 18 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2023-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive method that can be used in the characterization of tumors, by the quantification of highly cellular tumor components with the use of region of interest measurements on the generated apparent diffusion coefficient maps. The diffusion characteristics of the solid benign tumors of the abdomen and pelvis in children, and the role of apparent diffusion coefficient values in distinguishing solid malignant from solid benign tumors are not well defined. Materials and Method: This study retrospectively evaluated the role of different fractions of the measured and calculated apparent diffusion coefficient values in 49 children with a solid mass lesion of the abdomen or pelvis to determine whether those values allow for distinguishing malignant from benign solid lesions. A subgroup evaluation included the analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient values in distinguishing Wilms tumor from neuroblastoma. Results: All fractions of apparent diffusion coefficient values were statistically significantly lower in the solid malignant tumors than in the solid benign tumors, with the mean normalized apparent diffusion coefficient values having higher sensitivity and specificity rates. The apparent diffusion coefficient values did not significantly differ between Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma. Conclusions: Apparent diffusion coefficient values can help differentiate malignant from benign solid tumors. Their role can be limited in differentiating Wilms tumor from neuroblastoma.
Keywords : Abdomen, diffüzyon ağırlıklı görüntüleme, görünür diffüzyon katsayısı, pediatrik malignite, pelvis, solid tümör