Added value of diffusion-weighted acquisitions in MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to review abdominopelvic applications of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), discuss advantages and limitations of DWI, and illustrate these with examples.


CONCLUSIONS
High-quality abdominopelvic DWI can be performed routinely on current MRI systems and may offer added value in image interpretation. Particularly in unenhanced MRI examinations, DWI may provide an alternative source of image contrast and improved conspicuity to identify and potentially characterize pathology. DWI is a powerful technique that warrants implementation in routine abdominal and pelvic imaging protocols.
1 Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9085.
William A
WA
Moore
Gaurav
G
Khatri
Ananth J
AJ
Madhuranthakam
Robert D
RD
Sims
Ivan
I
Pedrosa
D000005:Abdomen; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010388:Pelvis