The role of apparent diffusion coefficient values in detecting testicular intraepithelial neoplasia: Preliminary results

Introduction: The aim of this study is to improve detection of testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) by measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Materials and methods: Fifty-six MRI examinations of the scrotum, including 26 histologically proven testicular germ cell neoplasms were retrospectively evaluated. DWI was performed using a single shot, multi-slice spin-echo planar diffusion pulse sequence and b-values of 0 and 900 s mm(-2). ADC measurements were classified into three groups according to their location: group 1 (n= 19), non-tumoral part, adjacent to testicular carcinoma, where the possible location of TIN was; group 2 (n= 26), testicular carcinoma; and group 3 (n= 60), normal testicular parenchyma. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc analysis (Dunnett T3) was used for statistical purposes. Results: The mean +/- s.d. of ADC values ( x10(-3) mm(2)/s) of different groups were: group 1, 1.08 +/- 0.20; group 2, 0.72 +/- 0.27; and group 3, 1.11 +/- 0.14. ANOVA revealed differences of mean ADC between groups (F= 38.859, P< 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed differences between groups 2 and 3 (P< 0.001), groups 2 and 1 (P < 0.001), but not between groups 3 and 1 (P= 0.87). Conclusions: Based on our preliminary results, ADC values do not provide a reliable differentiation between TIN and testicular carcinoma or normal testicular parenchyma. 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.