The value of the apparent diffusion coefficient calculated from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images in the differentiation of maxillary sinus inflammatory diseases

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2018

Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Author(s): Luciana Munhoz, Reinaldo Abdala Júnior, Emiko Saito Arita

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculated in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images (DWI) in the differentiation of inflammatory lesions of the maxillary sinus.

Study Design

65 maxillary sinus magnetic resonance images (MRI) with findings suggestive of inflammatory lesions were qualitatively categorized into four distinct groups using T2-weighted images: Group 1: Presence of mucosal thickening; Group 2: Presence of sinonasal polyps or mucous retention cysts; Group 3: Presence of fluid identified by air-fluid levels with a homogeneous signal intensity; Group 4: Presence of fluid identified by air-fluid levels with a heterogeneous signal intensity. The ADC of each imaging finding was measured using a 5-mm area of interest. The statistical differences between the groups were tested using nonparametric tests with a 5% significance level.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between Group 1 and the other groups. Mucosal thickening was associated with lower ADC values than the other inflammatory lesions.

Conclusions

The ADC can be useful in differentiating mucosal thickening from other inflammatory alterations in the maxillary sinuses. Mucosal thickening had more restricted water diffusion than the other inflammatory lesions.

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