Evaluation of MR diffusion weighted imaging in liver cirrhosis.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the change of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value of magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and severity of cirrhotic liver.Methods Diffusion weighted imaging was performed in 54 patients with liver cirrhosis and 48 normal liver,and the ADC values of the liver were measured,the b values were 0,400,600 and 800s/mm2 in the sequence respectively.Results The mean ADC1、ADC2、ADC3 in cirrhosis were significantly lower than those in normal livers,the ADC value were lower in Child A、Child B and Child C than those in normal livers,the ADC value reduce with the severity of cirrhosis;the ADC values reduce with b value increase respectively;When the b values were 600 and 800 s/mm2in the sequence,considering(1.30×10-3)s/mm2was the demarcation point,whose value lower than which was hepatic cirrhosis.Conclusion Measurement of ADC value is a valuble parameter that can reflect dynamic changes in liver cirrhosis.