Added Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging to Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography for The Diagnosis of Bile Duct Obstruction

Eliba, Sami Tawfik Ahmed; Elabd, Osama Lotfy; Elwarraky, Mohamed Shawky; Zaghla, Hassan Elsayed; Omr, Hazem Metwally

doi:/10.21608/aimj.2025.446470

Added Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging to Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography for The Diagnosis of Bile Duct Obstruction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, National Liver Institute-Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

² Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute-Menoufia University, Egypt

/10.21608/aimj.2025.446470

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has evolved over the past decades to evaluate the biliary tract and diagnose pancreato-biliary disease. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an auxiliary method utilized to assess the molecular functionality and micro-architecture of the body of a human.
Objectives: To evaluate the supplementary benefit of DWI to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for diagnosing bile duct obstruction, whether malignant or benign.
Patients and methods: This research was performed on 100 cases of obstructive jaundice who underwent MRCP between January 2022 and May 2023. Cases have been recruited from the Radiology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University.
Results: According to the ADC value of malignant bile duct obstruction, the mean of ADC value was 1.34 ± 0.20, and the median was 1.35 (1.25 – 1.44). According to diffusion restrictions a statistically significant variance was observed among examined groups regarding diffusion restriction, which was positive and negative. Regarding the final diagnosis method, a statistically significant variance has been observed among examined groups regarding CNB, MRCP + Clinical picture and medical history, and ERCP.
Conclusion: The use of diffusion-weighted imaging in conventional MRCP significantly enhanced the diagnostic precision in distinguishing between malignant and benign biliary strictures.

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