Meta-analysis of intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating focal lesions of the liver

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate detection and characterization of focal liver lesions, including differentiation between malignant and benign lesions, are particularly important. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the parameters of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D), and perfusion fraction (f) in differentiating focal liver lesions. Methods: IVIM method employed for focal liver lesion and the quality assessment of diagnostic studies were evaluated. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The heterogeneity was quantified with the I2 statistic. Results: The difference between groups was analyzed according to the I2 values from 6 different studies using fixed effects or random effects models. Significant differences in ADC (P