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| Optimization of b value in diffusion-weighted MRI for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant vertebral fractures |
| ZHANG Lu-lu, LI Song-bai |
| Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China |
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Abstract Objective: To explore the optimal b value in diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) of MRI for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant vertebral fractures. Methods: Thirty-one consecutive patients with vertebral compression fractures underwent sagittal DWI with different b values. The group included 17 patients with 23 benign vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis and/or trauma and 14 patients with 22 malignant vertebral fractures due to malignancy. The quality of the images was analyzed by measurement of the contrast ratio(CR) and the contrast SNR(CNR). Apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) values were also calculated. The CR, CNR and ADC values in various b value were compared between benign group and malignant groups. Results: The mean CR of the images ranged from 0.71±0.41 at the b value of 300 s/mm2 to 0.27±0.26 at the b value of 800 s/mm2. The mean CNR of the images ranged from 9.03±4.25 at the b value of 300 s/mm2 to 3.42±3.24 at the b value of 800 s/mm2. The CR and CNR of DWI with the b value of 300 s/mm2 were significantly different from that with other b values(P<0.05). The CR values and CNR values between the benign fractures and malignant fractures were not statistically different. The mean ADC values of malignant fractures were significantly lower than those of benign ones on DWI with b values from 300 s/mm2 to 600 s/mm2. Conclusions: When DWI with multiple b values are used to differentiate benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures, smaller b value may be better.
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Received: 26 November 2012
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Corresponding Authors:
LI Song-bai
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2013, Vol. 24 
