Diffusion MRI Characterization of Paranasal Sinus Masses

Fatma Elsayed Ali, Department of Diagnostic and interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, EgyptFollow
Doaa Khedr Mohamed, Department of Diagnostic and interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
Mohamed Magdy El-Rakhawy, Department of Diagnostic and interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Subject Area

Radiodiagnosis

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: In ordinary clinical practice, a number of nasal cavity lesions, both neoplastic and non-neoplastic, are often seen. Because diffusion-weighted MRI imaging (DWI) captures the random migration of water protons, it provides superior characterization of tissues and their physiological processes. Therefore, the current study's goal was to use echoplanar DWI to classify malignant and non-malignant sinonasal lesions.

Methods: Fifty patients with paranasal sinus masses who were sent to Mansoura University Hospitals' Diagnostic Radiology Department for radiological examination, including a traditional MRI procedure, were included in this prospective research, Diffusion Weighted Images (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The final diagnosis was reached by biopsy after histopathological diagnosis.

Results: This study included 50 patients, 32 males and 18 females; 23 patients had malignant lesions, and 27 patients had non-malignant lesions. Regarding diffusion signal intensity, there was free diffusion in 21 non-malignant cases and 6 malignant cases. Regarding Diffusion Signal Intensity, there was restricted diffusion in 6 (22.22%) of non-malignant cases and 17 (73.9%) of malignant cases. Non-malignant lesions have far higher mean ADC values than malignant lesions. There was statistically insignificant difference between the two groups' mean skewness or kurtosis. ADC sensitivity in differentiation between non-malignant and malignant lesions was 90%, and specificity was 80%.

Conclusion: ADC could be a diagnostic parameter in distinguishing non-malignant from malignant lesions in nasal and paranasal sinuses. Incorporation of ADC measurements into routine imaging strategies may improve the early detection of sinonasal tumors. This helps in better patient management and outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Ali, Fatma Elsayed; Mohamed, Doaa Khedr; and El-Rakhawy, Mohamed Magdy (2026) "Diffusion MRI Characterization of Paranasal Sinus Masses," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 56 : Iss. 2 , Article 3.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1595