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Hepatic metastases: use of diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging

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Abstract

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is increasingly applied to detect and characterize focal hepatic lesions. In this update article, technical aspects regarding diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging (DW-EPI) of the liver will be addressed, and concepts for image interpretation will be provided. The value of DW-EPI for the detection of hepatic metastases is illustrated on the basis of a review of the literature and our personal experience. In this respect, special emphasis is given to the comparison of DW-EPI with well-established MR imaging techniques such as T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and advantages and limitations of DW-EPI will be described. Based on the review, it is concluded that DW-EPI is more sensitive than T2-weighted MR imaging and at least as accurate as superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced or gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging for the detection of hepatic metastases. Although difficulties occasionally arise in further characterizing small lesions detected with DW-EPI, substantial improvements in the preoperative evaluation of liver metastases in candidates for hepatic resection may be expected.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Melanie Bruegel & Ernst J. Rummeny

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  1. Melanie Bruegel
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  2. Ernst J. Rummeny
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Correspondence to Melanie Bruegel.

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Bruegel, M., Rummeny, E.J. Hepatic metastases: use of diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging. Abdom Imaging 35, 454–461 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-009-9541-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-009-9541-8

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