Differential diagnosis of renal tumors using dual echo time diffusion weighted imaging (dual TE-DWI)

Motivation: In renal tumors, it is often difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, which could reduce unnecessary biopsies and surgeries. Goal(s): To differentiate between angiomyolipoma (AML) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Approach: Imaging with two types of diffusion-weighted images (DWI) with different Echo times (TE) and comparing T2 signals in AML and RCC at DWI (b=0) and DWI (b=1200). Results: T2 signals at high diffusion restriction DWI (b=1200) were significantly lower in AML compared to RCC. Impact: There is potential to preoperatively differentiate AML non-invasively, which previously due to the difficulty in differentiation, led to invasive diagnostic methods such as biopsies and unnecessary surgeries.