Diffusion-weighted imaging of biliopancreatic disorders: Correlation with conventional magnetic resonance imaging

Figure 3 DWI of the normal liver, pancreas, and biliary tract. A: DWI at b = 50 s/mm² shows that the liver is hypointense compared to the kidney and spleen, and isointense compared to the pancreas; there is a signal void within the portal vein (arrow). DWI using low b values results in decreasing signals of fast motion of water molecules, such as that occurring within vessels. Such images are referred to as black-blood images; B: DWI at b = 500 s/mm² shows that the signal intensity of bile is decreased (asterisk) and the wall of the gallbladder is not identified. The liver is isointense compared to the pancreas; C: DWI at b = 1000 s/mm² shows a significant reduction in the signal intensity of bile in the gallbladder (asterisk). DWI: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.