Susceptibility-weighted imaging: technical aspects and clinical applications, part 2

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is an advanced MRI technique.
• SWI provides unique contrast for visualizing brain iron and venous structures.
• It differs from conventional MRI contrasts like T1, T2, and T2*.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications of SWI in neuroimaging.
• To highlight SWI's utility in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders.
• To present a comprehensive overview of SWI in various pathologies.

Main Methods:

• This is a clinical review, not an original research study.
• It synthesizes existing literature on SWI applications.
• Focuses on neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Results:

• SWI is valuable for visualizing venous structures and iron deposits.
• Applications include trauma, stroke, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, venous anomalies, multiple sclerosis, and tumors.
• SWI offers complementary diagnostic information.

Conclusions:

• SWI is a powerful and evolving clinical tool in neurology.
• It provides unique insights into brain pathologies.
• SWI aids in the diagnosis and potential treatment of neurological disorders.