State-of-the-art MRI techniques in neuroradiology: principles, pitfalls, and clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
• Advanced MR techniques offer detailed insights into brain structure and function.
• Understanding these techniques is vital for clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review state-of-the-art, clinically available MR techniques for investigating brain diseases.
• To describe the principles, technical requirements, and clinical utility of diffusion and perfusion imaging.
• To discuss limitations, artifacts, and solutions for advanced neuroimaging methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of diffusion imaging techniques: diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).
• Review of perfusion imaging techniques: dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), arterial spin labeling (ASL), and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE).
• Discussion of underlying models, quantitative methods, and three-dimensional (3D) neuroimaging sequences.

Main Results:

• Detailed explanation of quantitative diffusion and perfusion MR imaging principles and models.
• Summary of technical requirements for clinical application in neurological pathologies.
• Overview of advantages, limitations, artifacts, and solutions for various MR techniques.

Conclusions:

• Advanced MR techniques, including diffusion and perfusion imaging, are essential for understanding, classifying, and monitoring brain diseases.
• Knowledge of these techniques, their principles, and limitations aids in optimizing neuroimaging protocols.
• Emerging 3D sequences and new technologies promise further advancements in neuro MR imaging.