Can diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging be used as reliable method in differentiation of post-obstructive consolidation from central lung carcinoma?

Abstract Background Advanced central bronchogenic carcinoma often accompanies adjacent obstructive consolidation. Differentiation between bronchogenic carcinoma and Post obstructive consolidation (POC) is necessary to determine the true tumor size and field of radiation therapy or post-therapeutic evaluation. 15 cases with lung carcinoma were compared to 15 participants (control group) who were diagnosed as non-tumoral consolidation. Results Tumor and POC differentiation in CT was reported in 9 (60%) cases. Tumor and POC differentiation in T2 was reported in 11 (73.3%) cases. Tumor and POC differentiation in DWI was reported in 15 (100%) cases. Mean ADC values in lung carcinoma mass was significantly lower when compared to mean ADC values in lung consolidation ( P < 1 × 10 –3 ). Conclusion Cut off value less than 1.85 × 10 –3 mm 2 /s of ADC value had significant differentiation ability to detect malignant mass from consolidation with area under curve 0.936 ( P < 1 × 10 –3 ), with 100% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity.