Changes of normal appearing optic nerve head on diffusion-weighted imaging in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of optic nerve head in Papilledema

Background

Papilledema is optic disc pathology characterized by swelling of the optic disc occurring secondary to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), and it was proposed that elevated ICP is transferred along the subarachnoid space to the optic nerve (ON) leading to metabolic process interruptions and MRI changes within ON head. This study aimed to rule out if DWI and ADC map can be used as a diagnostic tool for detection of papilledema and if ADC values can be helpful in papilledema grading.

Result

ADC value was significantly lower in papilledema cases group (A) in comparison with control group (B).

Conclusion

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map can be utilized as a diagnostic tool for diagnosis of papilledema, and ADC values can be helpful in diagnosis of papilledema grade.

Pancreas and kidney changes in type 2 diabetes patients: the role of diffusion-weighted imaging

Background/aim

The aim of this study was to compare renal and pancreatic apparent diffusion-coefficient (ADC) values of diabetic patients and control subjects and to examine their potential association with several diabetes-related clinical parameters.

Materials and methods

A total of 80 sex- and age-matched patients were included in the study. Of them, 40 were patients with type 2 diabetes and 40 were nondiabetic participants. Abdominal diffusion-weighted MRIs of both groups were retrospectively reviewed. Diabetes-related clinical parameters were recorded.

Results

The difference between the mean ADC values of the patient group and the control group was significant (p = 0.012). It was also found that the mean pancreatic ADC values of diabetic patients and the control group significantly differed (p = 0.02). Besides, there were positive correlations between the mean pancreatic ADC values and age, Hb1Ac level, treatment type, and disease duration (p < 0.05). While eGFR values positively correlated with the mean renal ADC values (p < 0.05), there were negative correlations between such values and age, serum creatinine level, and disease duration (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Renal and pancreatic ADC values of diabetic patients could potentially play a role, as markers of renal and pancreatic functions, in clinical decisions in the follow-up of such patients.