Abstract：Objective: To help the diagnosis of liver hydatid cyst, which is difficult to identify by imaging or serological test alone, by diffusion imaging and biochemical analysis in a group of patients with liver hydatid cyst and non-parasitic cysts, and to study the difference of metabolites, enzymes, glucose and protein concentration of the cystic fluid between hydatid cyst and non-parasitic cysts. Materials and Methods: Diffusion imaging was performed in 29 cases of hydatid cysts and 17 cases of simple cysts. Through echoguided method and surgery, we obtained cystic liquid from 13 cases of hydatid cyst and 7 cases of non-parasitic cysts. The cystic liquid was subjected to the following investigations: evaluation of the macroscopic appearance, determination of the concentration of glucose, nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, bilirubin, proteins, and parasitological and cytological evaluation of the sediment. Result: ADC value of hydatid cysts was lower than that of simple cysts, with significant difference. Concentration of glucose, calcium and blood urea nitrogen in 13 cases of liver hydatid cyst fluid was higher than non-parasitic cysts, with significant difference. Conclusion: This study indicates that diffusion imaging can help to identify liver hydatid cysts and simple cysts, especially early hydatid cysts. Sampling of the liquid of non-neoplastic cysts of the liver can add information for a correct diagnosis of non-parasitic cysts, hydatid cysts and pseudocysts. Glucose of hydatid cyst fluid is higher than simple cyst, but not for protein content, suggesting glucose macromolecules absorbing water molecules as a reason of restricted diffusion.
2012, Vol. 23 
