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 (×10(-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.