Comparison of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging to T1 Mapping in Characterization of Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (IVIM DW MRI) to T1 mapping for characterization of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen HAE patients confirmed by surgery were examined with conventional MRI, IVIM DWI MRI with 10 b values (range: 0-1,000 sec/mm²), and longitudinal relaxation time (T1) mapping. Diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion fraction (f), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and T1 relaxation time were calculated in solid components, perilesional components, and background liver parenchyma of HAE patients. The correlation between T1 relaxation time and IVIM-derived parameters was assessed by using the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS T1 relaxation times were significantly higher in solid components (820.58±331.24 ms) compared to background components (551.52±182.93 ms) of HAE patients (p<0.05). IVIM-derived D values were significantly higher in solid components (1.30±0.28×10^-3 mm²/sec) compared to perilesional components (0.88±0.28×10^-3 mm²/sec) and background liver parenchyma (0.97±0.27×10^-3 mm²/sec) of liver parenchyma. There were significant differences in f values between solid components (13.70±7.66%), perilesional components (23.59±10.73%) and background liver parenchyma (30.78±10.18%). IVIM derived D* values were significantly lower in solid components (14.32±10.85×10^-3 mm²/sec) than in background liver parenchyma (30.06±15.68×10^-3 mm²/sec). Importantly, IVIM-derived f values were significantly correlated with T1 relaxation time: r=-0.337 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Based on our image comparison, IVIM DWI MRI might be better than T1 mapping, and IVIM-derived f values might be a valuable index for characterization of HAE.