Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: technical challenges and prospects for the future

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has recently been attempted in the abdominal region. We review diffusion-weighted images of the liver, especially from the technical point of view. We discuss selection of pulse sequence parameters, effects of anti-breathing motion technique, tips for measuring apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and utility of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), showing clinical cases, including those at 3T. Our current trial of new pulse sequencing, such as SPIO-mediated breath-holding black-blood fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (BH-BB-FLAIR), imaging is shown. Some prospects for the future in DWI of the liver are also stated.