Multi-model Analysis of Diffusion-weighted Imaging of Normal Testes at 3.0 T

Publication date: Available online 10 January 2018
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Xiangde Min, Zhaoyan Feng, Liang Wang, Jie Cai, Basen Li, Zan Ke, Peipei Zhang, Huijuan You, Xu Yan
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to establish diffusion quantitative parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], DDC, α, Dapp, and Kapp) in normal testes at 3.0 T.Materials and methodsSixty-four healthy volunteers in two age groups (A: 10–39 years; B: ≥ 40 years) underwent diffusion-weighted imaging scanning at 3.0 T. ADC1000, ADC2000, ADC3000, DDC, α, Dapp, and Kapp were calculated using the mono-exponential, stretched-exponential, and kurtosis models. The correlations between parameters and the age were analyzed. The parameters were compared between the age groups and between the right and the left testes.ResultsThe average ADC1000, ADC2000, ADC3000, DDC, α, Dapp, and Kapp values did not significantly differ between the right and the left testes (P > .05 for all). The following significant correlations were found: positive correlations between age and testicular ADC1000, ADC2000, ADC3000, DDC, and Dapp (r = 0.516, 0.518, 0.518, 0.521, and 0.516, respectively; P < .01 for all) and negative correlations between age and testicular α and Kapp (r = −0.363, −0.427, respectively; P < .01 for both). Compared to group B, in group A, ADC1000, ADC2000, ADC3000, DDC, and Dapp were significantly lower (P < .05 for all), but α and Kapp were significantly higher (P < .05 for both).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the applicability of the testicular mono-exponential, stretched-exponential, and kurtosis models. Our results can help establish a baseline for the normal testicular parameters in these diffusion models. The contralateral normal testis can serve as a suitable reference for evaluating the abnormalities of the other side. The effect of age on these parameters requires further attention.



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