The current method of interpreting diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) exams relies on comparing diffusion images with their corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps; this is performed by comparing both images side by side and looking for abnormal combinations of dark and bright areas, according to presenter Dr. Felipe Campos Kitamura of the Federal University of São Paulo.
To make it easier for radiology residents and nonradiologists to interpret DWI images, the group sought to combine diffusion and ADC map information into a single color-coded image. Initial testing of their postprocessing algorithm suggests that interpretation of color-coded images may be more reproducible, easier, and faster than the original method of reading these studies.