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Published on: August 26, 2014
Diffusion-weighted imaging in the evaluation of intracranial lesions
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7510, USA. castillo@med.unc.edu
Abstract:
Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is able to show pathology early on and to provide the radiologist with some degree of lesion characterization based on the relaxation time of different tissues. Many times, however, conventional MR imaging is not capable of depicting abnormalities at a time when early therapy may be successful, or of differentiating among different types of lesions before surgery. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a technique that is relatively new, is rapidly gaining popularity. Its increased use stems from the fact that many of the newer MR units are echo-planar capable. Although DWI may be obtained without echo-planar techniques, most DWI is now obtained by using gradients capable of very fast rising times. Echo-planar DWI may be obtained in a matter of seconds and, thus, is much less sensitive to bulk motion than other imaging techniques. Although DWI has been used extensively for the evaluation of acute cerebral infarctions, new uses for it are being explored constantly. In this article we address the nature of DWI and its use in the stroke patient as well as in other clinical situations where we believe it is useful.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) offers improved lesion detection and characterization over conventional MRI. This technique is valuable for early diagnosis in stroke patients and other clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)
Background:
- Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging shows pathology and aids lesion characterization via tissue relaxation times.
- Limitations of conventional MR imaging include delayed abnormality detection and difficulty differentiating lesions pre-surgically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI).
- To discuss the utility of DWI in stroke patients.
- To highlight other clinical situations where DWI is beneficial.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) utilizes echo-planar techniques for rapid image acquisition (seconds).
- Echo-planar DWI minimizes sensitivity to patient motion.
- Advanced gradients enable fast rising times for DWI acquisition.
Main Results:
- DWI is rapidly gaining popularity due to its speed and motion insensitivity.
- DWI is extensively used for evaluating acute cerebral infarctions.
- Emerging applications for DWI are continuously being explored.
Conclusions:
- DWI enhances early pathology detection and lesion characterization compared to conventional MR imaging.
- DWI is a valuable tool for acute stroke evaluation.
- The versatility of DWI extends to various other clinical scenarios.
