Total-body MR-imaging in oncology.
Although MRI is an effective modality in oncology, state-of-the-art total-body MRI (TB-MRI) in the past was infeasible in the diagnostic work-up, due to the need for repeated examinations with repositioning and separate surface coils to cover all body parts. To overcome this limitation, either a moving table platform in combination with the body-coil or a special designed rolling table platform with one body phased-array coil have been implemented with promising results for both tumor staging and metastases screening. Since 2004, state-of-the-art TB-MR imaging with high spatial resolution has become feasible using a newly developed 1.5 Tesla TB-MRI system with multiple receiver channels. This review gives an overview based on the recent literature as well as our own experience concerning the possibilities, challenges, and limitations of TB-MRI in oncology, emphasizing both oncological staging and early tumor detection in asymptomatic subjects.
Schaefer
Juergen F
JF
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe- Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany. juergen.schaefer@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Schlemmer
Heinz-Peter W
HP
D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D051598:Whole Body Imaging