Multi-shot DWI has a high sensitivity in hepatic NET metastasis detection, outperforming multiplanar T2w imaging

Motivation: Liver metastasis detection without intravenous contrast has potential applications in MRI surveillance and whole-body imaging. Goal(s): To compare multishot DWI (msDWI) and T2w imaging with fat suppression (T2w+FS) in detecting neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases. Approach: We retrospectively determined the visibility of 114 lesions (35 patients) on msDWI and multiplanar T2w+FS. Sensitivities were calculated. Results: msDWI outperforms T2w+FS, with sensitivity approaching 90% for lesions <=5mm. Impact: HBP (Gadoxetate) imaging is the gold standard for detecting liver metastases, however rapid MRI without intravenous contrast is attractive from a cost and patient perspective. msDWI alone may prove sufficient for NET metastasis detection.