Diffusion-weighted whole-body MR screening

Eur J Radiol. 2008 Sep;67(3):440-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.02.040. Epub 2008 Apr 21.

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted sequence (DWI) of the entire body is a new promising technique feasible to evaluate multifocal disease. DWI has revealed great potential in the evaluation of patients with cancer or benign disease, as it supplies both quantitative and qualitative information of the whole body. The technical aspects of the diffusion-weighted whole body (DWWB) MR sequence are described with special emphasis on the processing and analysis of the imaging. DWWB MR sequence should be used combined with the other standard sequences such as FSE T1-weighted and STIR images. A complete whole-body MR imaging protocol including the DWI can be performed in less than 40 min. The possibilities, limitations and the preliminary clinical results of the whole-body MR imaging using a DWI of the entire body are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Whole Body Imaging / methods*
  • Whole Body Imaging / trends*