title: Functional MR imaging of the abdomen.
abstract: In this article, functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques in the abdomen are discussed. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) increases the confidence in detecting and characterizing focal hepatic lesions. The potential uses of DWI in kidneys, adrenal glands, bowel, and pancreas are outlined. Studies have shown potential use of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters, such as K(trans), in predicting outcomes in cancer therapy. MR elastography is considered to be a useful tool in staging liver fibrosis. A major issue with all functional MR imaging techniques is the lack of standardization of the protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 N University Blvd, UH 0279, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. Electronic address: ksandras@iupui.edu.
authors.forename: Kumar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sandrasegaran
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D003287:Contrast Media; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Diffusion-weighted imaging; Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Intravoxel incoherent motion; Magnetic resonance elastography; Magnetic resonance perfusion; Tumor response assessment