[Diffusion-weighted imaging in neuroradiology]

Diffusion-weighted imaging is becoming increasingly more important in neuroradiology. Formerly this technique was mainly used in stroke diagnostics but the spectrum of applications is becoming increasingly larger. Diffusion-weighted imaging is a useful tool for differentiation between metastases and abscesses, for assessment of the depth of invasiveness of tumors and to differentiate inflammation from astrocytomas. It has now become a standard technique in multiple sclerosis imaging. A further advantage in addition to the diagnostic capabilities is the speed of the sequence which makes it insensitive to movement artefacts.