[ Summary ] [ PDF ] [ Mail to Author ] [ Mail to Editor ]
Conventional and diffusion-weighted MRI of extrahepatic hydatid cysts
Nagihan İnan, Nilay Akhun, Gür Akansel, Arzu Arslan, Ercüment Çiftçi, Ali Demirci
From the Department of Radiology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
Keywords: • hydatid cyst • diffusion weighted imaging• magnetic resonance imaging
DOI: 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.2892-09.1
Summary
PURPOSE To evaluate the value of conventional and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of extrahepatic hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one extrahepatic hydatid cysts (12 renal, 6 pulmonary, 5 peritoneal, 4 bone, 3 soft tissue, 3 pancreatic, 2 splenic, 2 retroperitoneal, 1 adrenal, 1 scrotal, 1 diaphragmatic, and 1 cardiac) were included in this retrospective study. After a series of routine conventional MRI, DW imaging was performed using a breath-hold, single-shot, echo-planar, spin echo sequence with three b factors (0, 500 and 1,000 s/mm2), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were created. On DW trace images, signal intensity of the cysts was visually compared to the signal intensity of the muscle with the use of a 3-point scale: 0, isointense; 1, moderately hyperintense; 2, significantly hyperintense. For quantitative evaluation, signal intensity ratio and ADC of the cystic lesions were calculated. RESULTS On conventional MR images, all but 3 patients had concomitant liver involvement. Three of them were disseminated. On DW trace images (b = 1,000 s/mm2), most hydatid cysts (86%) were hyperintense, while five hydatid cysts (14%) were isointense. Quantitatively, the mean ADC of the hydatid cysts was 2.8 x 10-3 ± 0.5 mm2/s. CONCLUSION DW imaging may help in the differential diagnosis of extrahepatic hydatid cysts.	Top Summary Introduction Methods Results Disscussion References
Introduction
Altought liver (75%) and lung (15%) are the most commonly involved organs with hydatid disease, hydatid cysts (HCs) can affect almost anywhere in the body[1]. The diagnosis of these cysts is usually made by some characteristic radiologic features and positive serology. Radiologic appearance of HCs depends on the stage of maturity and ranges from completely liquid type to completely solid type[2]. The diagnostic accuracy is high for cysts with characteristic features such as a visible cyst wall (seen as a low signal intensity rim on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images), multivesicular appearance, floating membrane, and calcification[3]. However, unusual sites and appearances may cause diagnostic difficulties[1,4]. In addition, initial phase HCs usually appear as a well-defined unilocular anechoic cyst (completely liquid type), and are therefore radiologically indistinguishable from simple cysts[2]. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of extrahepatic HCs, which pose a challenge in the diagnosis both on US and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).	Top Introduction Methods Results Disscussion References
Materials and Methods
Patients Our retrospective data were obtained through a 2-year period (September 2006 to September 2008). During this period 22 patients were referred for MRI for the following indications: suspected HC based on findings of other imaging modalities and evaluation for extrahepatic involvement in patients with known primary liver hydatid disease. However, 12 cysts in 7 patients were excluded from the study because of size (n=1), partial or complete calcification (n=6), low image quality of DW images (n = 2), and incomplete characterization of lesions on follow-up imaging or histopathologic examination (n=3). As a consequence, a total of 41 non-calcified extrahepatic hydatid cysts in 15 patients (5 women, 10 men) with a diameter of at least 1 cm were included in this study. Of the cysts, 2 were splenic, 3 were pancreatic, 12 were renal, 1 was adrenal, 5 were peritoneal, 2 were retroperitoneal, 6 were pulmonary, 1 was scrotal, 4 were osseous, 3 were soft tissue, 1 was diafragmatic, and 1 was cardiac. Eight patients had multiple cysts. The distribution of cysts within specific organs, stage of cysts, and combination of simultaneous multi-organ involvement are presented in Table 1. Click to Enlarge Table 1: Distribution of hydatid cysts within specific organs, stage of cysts, and combinations of simultaneous multi-organ involvement Imaging was performed prior to treatment or biopsy. The diagnosis of HCs was confirmed by biopsy in 9 patients (the presence of scolices or hooklets in the hydatid liquid), and/or positive serology for hydatidosis in 15 patients (hemagglutinin inhibition [HAI] positive for dilutions 1/160). For subjects with multiple HCs only one lesion was analyzed histopathologically. The remainder of lesions with similar or characteristic radiologic appearance was accepted as HCs. The study was approved by the institutional review board and protocol review committee. Magnetic resonance imaging All patients were examined with a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner (Gyroscan Intera; Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands) using a four element phased-array body coil. This system has a maximal gradient strength of 30 mT/m and a slew rate of 150 mT/m/ ms. All patients were examined initially with our routine MRI protocol that included for the abdomen and mediastinum precontrast axial T1- weighted, breath-hold, spoiled gradient echo (fast field echo, FFE), with and without fat suppression (TR/TE/ FA/NEX, 169/4.6/80/1), coronal and axial T2-weighted, single shot, turbo spin echo (SS-TSE) (TR/TE/NEX/TSE factor, 700/80/1/72), and axial T2- weighted SS-TSE with fat suppression (TR/TE/NEX/TSE factor, 700/80/1/72); for the soft tissue and bone precontrast, axial, T1-weighted, TSE, with and without fat suppression (TR/TE/ TSE factor/NEX, 500/18/5/2), coronal and axial T2-weighted TSE (TR/TE/ NEX/TSE factor, 2000/100/5/2), and axial T2-weighted TSE with fat suppression. Subsequently, 3 series of axial, single-shot, spin-echo, echo-planar (SS-SE-EP) DW images (TR/TE/echoplanar imaging factor, 1000/81/77; sensitizing gradients in x, y, z directions) were acquired using b values of 0, 500 and 1,000 s/mm2. ADC maps were reconstructed from these images. Fat suppression was performed by using spectral saturation inversion recovery (SPIR) technique. DWI consisted of a multisection acquisition with a slice thickness of 6 mm, an intersection gap of 1 mm, and an acquisition matrix of 128 × 256. All sequences were acquired using a partially-parallel imaging acquisition and SENSE reconstruction with a reduction factor (R) of 2. For abdominal imaging, the acquisition period of each DWI series during a single breath-hold was 26 seconds. Analysis of MR images For qualitative analysis on conventional MR images, cyst size, sites of involvement, and imaging findings were evaluated. All HCs were classified according to the World Health Organization classification[3]. Completely liquid type refers to unilocular cystic lesions with uniform anechoic contents, without a visible wall (type CL); type 1 refers to a univesicular cyst with a visible cyst wall (type CE1); type 2 refers to a multivesicular cyst (type CE2); type 3 refers to a cyst with a floating membrane (type CE3). Types CE4 and CE5 (completely or partially calcified cysts) were not included in our study. On DW images with b factor of 1000 s/mm2, signal intensity (SI) of the cysts relative to the muscle was visually assessed with the use of a 3- point scale as follows: 0, isointense; 1, moderately hyperintense; 2, significantly hyperintense. All images were independently assessed by two radiologists (NI, NA) who were blinded to the clinical history and results of the prior imaging studies. Results of the interpretations were then compared. In four cases, for which the results differed, the final score was reached with consensus achieved after discussion. For quantitative analysis, images were transferred to a dedicated workstation (Dell Workstation Precision 650, View Forum release 3.4). SI of the cysts and affected tissue were measured by one of the radiologists (NI) for each b factor (0, 500 and 1,000 s/mm2) using a region of interest (ROI) of the same size. The ROI was placed centrally and the size of the ROI was kept as large as possible, covering at least two-thirds of the cyst, yet avoiding interference from the surrounding tissue and major blood vessels. In addition, the ADC maps were created automatically and the mean ADC values of cysts were determined on images with b factors of 0 and 1,000 s/mm2. The average of three measurements was recorded as the final SI or ADC. Cyst-to-affected tissue SI ratio (SIR), and ADC of HCs were calculated.	Top Introduction Methods Results Disscussion References
Results
Qualitative analysis The mean age of patients was 44.5 years (range, 15–67 years). The cyst diameter range was 16–181 mm. The distribution of cysts within specific organs, stage of cysts, and combinations of simultaneous multi-organ involvement are listed in Table 1. Eleven renal, 1 adrenal, 2 soft tissue, 1 osseous, 1 diaphragmatic, 3 pancreatic, 1 peritoneal, 4 pulmonary, and 1 splenic HC had univesicular appearance without any internal stracture (type 1); 1 soft tissue, 3 osseous, 1 pulmonary, 1 scrotal, 4 peritoneal, and 1 retroperitoneal cyst had multivesicular appearance (type 2); 1 renal, 1 pulmonary, and 1 retroperitoneal cyst had a floating membrane (type 3). Except for 3 patients (one had isolated renal involvement, another had concomitant renal and splenic involvement, yet another had concomitant lung and bone involvement), all patients (n = 11) had concomitant liver involvement. Three of them had disseminated involvement (one of them had concomitant scrotal, osseous, and soft tissue involvement; another had concomitant pulmonary, pancreatic, diaphragmatic, peritoneal, and retroperitoneal involvement; yet another had pulmonary, renal, spleenic, peritoneal, and retroperitoneal involvement). Results of the visual evaluation of the SI on DW images with a b factor of 1,000 s/mm2 are shown in Table 2. With the exception of 6, most HCs were moderately or significantly hyperintense on DW images with a b factor of 1,000 s/mm2 (Figs. 1–3). Click to Enlarge Table 2: Visual evaluation of MR signal intensities of hydatid cysts on diffusion trace images (b = 1000 s/mm2) Click to Enlarge Figure 1: a–c. A 32-year-old man with ahydatid cyst of the muscle (HIA was positive). Coronal T2-weighted TSE MR image (a) shows a cyst in the muscle. The cyst (b) shows a higher signal intensity on the DW image (b = 1,000 s/mm2). ADC map (c) (ADC = 2.28 x 10-3 mm2/s). Click to Enlarge Figure 2: a–i (continued on next page). A 49-year-old man with hydatid cysts of the bone, scrotum, and muscle (HIA was positive). Axial T2- weighted TSE MR images (a–c) show cysts in the bilateral pubic rami, scrotum, and muscle. The cysts (d–f) show a higher signal intensity on DW images (b = 1,000 s/mm2). Click to Enlarge Figure 2: a-i (continued from previous page). ADC maps (g–i) (ADCs are 2.1 x 10-3, 2.4 x 10-3, 2.6 x 10-3, and 1.3 x 10-3 mm2/s for the right superior pubic ramus, left superior pubic ramus, muscle, and scrotum, respectively). Click to Enlarge Figure 3: a–f. A 63-year-old man with disseminated hydatid disease (HIA was positive). Coronal (a) and axial (b–d) T2-weighted TSE MR images show cysts in the pancreas, diaphragm, intraperitoneal, and retroperitoneal areas. The cysts (arrows, e, f) show higher signal intensity than the liver on DW images (b = 1,000 sec/mm2). On ADC maps ADCs were 2.5 x 10-3; 2.1 x 10-3; and 2.3 x 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. Quantitative analysis The results of quantitative analysis of DWI are outlined in Table 3. Click to Enlarge Table 3: Quantitative analysis of DWI of hydatid cysts (b = 500 and 1,000 s/mm2)	Top Introduction Methods Results Disscussion References
Discussion
On conventional MRI, the diagnostic accuracy is high for HCs with specific imaging features such as a hypointense wall on T2-weighted images, a floating membrane, and daughter cysts[5]. However, imaging features of HCs may sometimes overlap with those of other cystic lesions. For example, both simple cysts and complete liquid type HCs display high SI on T2- weighted and low SI on T1-weighted images, with well-defined margins. In these patients, careful evaluation of the patient's clinical history and laboratory findings are important for differential diagnosis. In contrast to a simple cyst, HCs usually have a wall which shows low signal intensity on T2-weighted images (rim sign)[1,4]. However, this finding is not specific because it can also be seen with some other cystic lesions such as abscesses, necrotic tumors, and hematomas. Recent reports have suggested that DWI can be helpful in the characterization of cystic lesions in the abdomen or brain, such as simple cysts, HCs, and liver abscesses, ovarian and endometrial cystic neoplasms, arachnoid and epidermoid cysts, with high specificity and sensitivity[6–10]. In these studies, the difference in ADCs of cysts was attributed to the difference in cellular density. To our knowledge, except for hepatic HCs, the role of DWI in the differential diagnosis of extrahepatic cysts has not been reported previously. In our study, most of the HCs were hyperintese on images with a b factor of 1,000 s/mm2 in which the contribution of the T2 “shine-through” to the SI decreases while tissue cellularity makes a greater contribution[11]. In addition, diffusion can be quantitatively evaluated by ADC, which is free of the T2 shine-through effect[12]. In our series, the mean ADC of the HCs was 2.8±0.5. However, we did not compare ADCs of these cysts with simple cysts, because there were not simple cysts in all affected tissues covered in our study. However, our previous studies (which were done with the same 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and parameters) showed that DWI with SS EPI may be helpful in the characterization of hepatic[7] and pancreatic[12] cysts, with high specificity and sensitivity. In these studies, the ADC of the hepatic HCs were significantly lower than those of hepatic simple cysts (mean ADCs were 3.5 x 10-3 mm2/s ± 0.5 and 2.2 ± 0.8 for simple cysts and HCs, respectively) and the ADC of pancreatic HCs were significantly lower than those of pancreatic simple cysts (mean ADCs were 3.3x10-3 mm2/s ± 0.5 and 2.6x10-3 mm2/s ± 0.2 for simple cysts and HCs, respectively). When the results from this study are compared with those from our previous studies, it appears that the ADC values of HCs in the current study are lower than those of simple cysts. Therefore, the high signal on DW images and the low ADCs are probably due to the reduced diffusion in HCs which can be attributed to the differences in the cyst contents. Since the HCs have a viscous content which consists of scolices, hooklets, sodium chloride, proteins, glucose, ions, lipids, and polysaccharides, they have a decreased ADC[13,14]. On the contrary, simple cysts contain serous fluid, thus a higher ADC. This study has several technical limitations. The main limitation is that the EPI sequence employed with a higher b value had a lower SNR, resulting in greater image distortion. In addition, EPI sequence causes anatomic distortion due to susceptibility effects[11]. Another important limitation is the lack of simple cysts in similar localizations for comparison. Further studies on larger series comparing hepatic with simple cysts are needed. The differential diagnosis of HCs is usually possible with the combined use of specific morphologic features on imaging, laboratory, and clinical information. However, sometimes the differential diagnosis of the HCs from simple cysts may still be difficult. Especially in endemic areas, the radiologist must be careful because sometimes HCs may simulate a malignant cystic tumor or a benign simple cyst on MRI. Our preliminary data suggest that DWI may be helpful in this setting and this sequence can be easily added to the routine protocol because of short examination time.	Top Introduction Methods Results Discussion References
References
1) Ilica AT, Kocaoglu M, Zeybek N, et al. Extrahepatic abdominal hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus: imaging findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2007; 189:337–343. 2) Caremani M, Lapini L, Caremani D, Occhini U. Sonographic diagnosis of hydatidosis: the sign of the cyst wall. Eur J Ultrasound 2003; 16:217–223. 3) WHO Informal Working Group. International classification of ultrasound images in cystic echinococcosis for application in clinical and field epidemiological settings. Acta Trop 2003; 85:253–261. 4) Andronikou S, Welman CJ, Kader E. Classic and unusual appearances of hydatid disease in children. Pediatr Radiol 2002; 32:817–828. 5) Singh S, Gibikote SV. Magnetic resonance imaging signal characteristics in hydatid cysts. Australas Radiol 2001; 45:128–133. 6) Chan JH, Tsui EY, Luk SH, et al. Diffusionweighted MR imaging of the liver: distinguishing hepatic abscess from cystic or necrotic tumor. Abdom Imaging 2001; 26:161–165. 7) Inan N, Arslan A, Akansel G, et al. Diffusion-weighted imaging in the differential diagnosis of simple and hydatid cysts of the liver. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2007; 189:1031–1036. 8) Nakayama T, Yoshimitsu K, Irie H, et al. Diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR imaging and ADC mapping in the differential diagnosis of ovarian cystic masses: usefulness of detecting keratinoid substances in mature cystic teratomas. J Magn Reson Imaging 2005; 22:271–278. 9) Hakyemez B, Aksoy U, Yildiz H, Ergin N. Intracranial epidermoid cysts: diffusionweighted, FLAIR and conventional MR findings. Eur J Radiol 2005; 54:214–220. 10) Chen S, Ikawa F, Kurisu K, et al. Quantitative MR evaluation of intracranial epidermoid tumors by fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging and echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging. AJNR 2001; 22:1089–1096. 11) Naganawa S, Kawai H, Fukatsu H, et al. Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: technical challenges and prospects for the future. Magn Reson Med Sci 2005; 4:175–186. 12) Inan N, Arslan A, Akansel G, Anik Y, Demirci A. Diffusion-weighted imaging in thedifferential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 191:1115–1121. 13) Volders WK, Gelin G, Stessens RC. Best cases from the AFIP. Hydatid cyst of the kidney: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics 2001; 21:255–260. 14) Pedrosa I, Saiz A, Arrazola J, Ferreiros J, Pedrosa CS. Hydatid disease: radiologic and pathologic features and complications. Radiographics 2000; 20:795–817.	Top Introduction Methods Results Discussion References
[ Top ] [ Summary ] [ PDF ] [ Mail to Author ] [ Mail to Editor ]