Whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) provides information on the diffusivity of water molecules in the human body. Technological advances and the development of the concept of diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) have opened the path for routine clinical whole-body DWI. Whole-body DWI allows detection and characterization of both oncological and non-oncological lesions throughout the entire body. This article reviews the basic principles of DWI and the development of whole-body DWI, illustrates its potential clinical applications, and discusses its limitations and challenges.
Kwee
Thomas C
TC
Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. thomaskwee@gmail.com
Takahara
Taro
T
Ochiai
Reiji
R
Katahira
Kazuhiro
K
Van Cauteren
Marc
M
Imai
Yutaka
Y
Nievelstein
Rutger A J
RA
Luijten
Peter R
PR
D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods*