T1 mapping and reduced field‐of‐view DWI at 3.0 T MRI for differentiation of thyroid papillary carcinoma from nodular goiter

Abstract Background Reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted imaging (rFOV‐DWI) could be proved to quantitatively identify papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and there is no literature regarding the use of T1 mapping to distinguish nodular goiter (NG) from PTC. Purpose To compare T1 mapping with rFOV‐DWI in differentiating NG and PTC. Study Type Prospective study. Populations Ninety‐five hospitalized patients with thyroid nodules were included in the research. Sequence All subjects underwent T1‐weighted imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, rFOV‐DWI and T1‐mapping sequences. Assessment The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T1 values of each thyroid nodule were measured, respectively. According to pathological results, the thyroid nodules were divided into two groups: Group 1 (NG) and Group 2 (PTC). Statistical Tests An independent sample t test was used to evaluate the differences of ADC and T1 between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of T1, ADC, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) and T1 and ADC. Results The T1 and ADC values of nodular goiter were both higher than those of PTC ( p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of T1 and ADC were significantly higher than that of T1 or ADC alone ( p < 0.05). The AUC value of T1 and ADC was as same as that of TI‐RADS. Conclusion The combination of T1 mapping and rFOV‐DWI could effectively differentiate NG from PTC. And it has at least the same diagnostic value as the ultrasound‐based TI‐RADS classification.