Value of diffusion‐weighted MRI and lesion‐to‐spinal cord signal intensity ratio in pulmonary lesion characterization

Abstract Background In the scenario of lung lesions, differential diagnosis is important, since treatment determined by characteristics lesion. The goal in evaluation pulmonary lesions to distinguish malignant from benign a non-invasive manner as possible. Since, CT not sufficient accurately nodules and patients with might undergo invasive diagnostic methods, such biopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, rule out malignancy. Now, MRI performed using diffusion-weighted (DW) can offer both qualitative quantitative information that be helpful for tumour assessment. Moreover, lesion‐to‐spinal cord signal intensity ratio (LSR) has also been shown useful differentiation lesions. Quantitative assessment possible calculation ADC. Results A total 30 were eligible inclusion our final analysis; male/female case number about 10/20 (33.3%/ 66.7%) age range 20 74 (46.8 ± 14.9) subjected study diffusion. Sensitivity analysis showed ADC mean, min value significantly predict cutoff point < 1.53 1.34 respectively, sensitivity 75%, 56.3%, specificity 92.9%, 100% p values 0.001, 0.005 respectively. SI lesion > 502.8, 92.9% 68.7%, AUC 89.3% 0.0001. Lesion-to-spinal 1.3, 85.7% 79.7% 0.006. Conclusions This confirmed DWI combined LSR effective valuable tool whether which considered noninvasive alternative characterization We recommend before intervention perform diffusion important aid proper diagnosis.