Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance ımaging in the characterization of pleural effusions

Purpose:To evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions.Materials and Methods:In our retrospective study we include 30 (thirty) patients who had thorax, lumber and breast MR for different clinical indications between July 2010- August 2011 and had pleural effusions. We calculated the ADC values from their retrospective DWI and compared their retrospective pleural effusion analysis.Bulgular:13 patient of 30 patient had transudative, 17 patient of 30 patient had excudative effusions. Mean ADC value with a b factor of 500 mm²/sn was 3.89 x10?³mm²/sn, with a b factor of 1000 mm²/sn was 3.56 x10?³mm²/sn. Mean ADC value with b factor of 500 mm²/sn was 4.09 x10?³mm²/sn, with a b factor of 1000 mm²/sn was 3.93 x10?³mm²/sn.Setting the cut-off value at 4.08 x10?³mm²/sn for b factor of 500 mm²/sn had a sensitivity of %85 and a specifity of %88, setting the cut-off value at 3.71 x10?³mm²/sn for b factor of 1000 mm²/sn had a sensitivity of %100 and specificity of %71 for differentiating transudative from exudative effusions.Conclusion:DWI may help in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions.Key Words:ADC, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, pleural effusions.