Quantitative map derived from DWI showing water diffusion
Expansion
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient
Purpose
Confirms restricted diffusion (low ADC equals restricted equals ischaemia or tumour)
Clinical Context
ADC calculated from DWI with different b-values. Units millimetres squared per second. Ischaemic stroke shows low ADC. High ADC suggests T2 shine-through (non-specific).
Related Terms
- DWI
- Diffusion metrics
Key Points
- Always check ADC when interpreting DWI; bright DWI with low ADC equals restricted diffusion equals abnormal