Application of DWIBS in malignant lymphoma: correlation between ADC values and Ki-67 index

We investigated the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Ki-67 index using diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS), and their utility in evaluating malignant lymphoma cell proliferation. Seventy-four patients with malignant lymphoma underwent DWIBS within 1 week before pathological confirmation. The ADC value was measured at the site of the pathological examination, and specimens were also stained with Ki-67. The ADC values and Ki-67 indices in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), indolent NHL, and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) were compared using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Ki-67 indices and ADC values were inversely correlated (r = -0.289, p = 0.0125); the differences in the Ki-67 index between aggressive NHL, indolent NHL, and HL were significant (p < 0.001); this was confirmed by the Nemenyi test except for indolent NHL vs. HL. The ADC values were significantly different between the types of lymphoma (p = 0.013); the Nemenyi test showed a significant difference only between aggressive NHL and HL. The Ki-67 indices and ADC values are inversely correlated in patients with lymphoma, combining DWIBS and ADC values can evaluate the proliferation level of malignant lymphoma cells noninvasively. aEuro cent By using DWIBS, malignant lymphoma cell proliferation can be assessed noninvasively. aEuro cent The ADC value and Ki-67 index are significantly and inversely correlated. aEuro cent The ADC values were lower in aggressive NHL than in HL. aEuro cent The ADC values of aggressive and indolent NHL were not significantly different.