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Intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance imaging: basic principles and clinical applications
Aleksandra E Szubert-Franczak1, Martyna Naduk-Ostrowska1, Katarzyna Pasicz2
1Department of Radiology I, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
The purpose of this article was to show basic principles, acquisition, advantages, disadvantages, and clinical applications of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). IVIM MRI as a method was introduced in the late 1980s, but recently it started attracting more interest thanks to its applications in many fields, particularly in oncology and neuroradiology. This imaging technique has been developed with the objective of obtaining not only a functional analysis of different organs but also different types of lesions. Among many accessible tools in diagnostic imaging, IVIM MRI aroused the interest of many researchers in terms of studying its applicability in the evaluation of abdominal organs and diseases. The major conclusion of this article is that IVIM MRI seems to be a very auspicious method to investigate the human body, and that nowadays the most promising clinical application for IVIM perfusion MRI is oncology. However, due to lack of standardisation of image acquisition and analysis, further studies are needed to validate this method in clinical practice.
Insights
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI offers functional insights for organs and lesions, with promising oncology applications. Further standardization is needed for widespread clinical adoption of this advanced MRI technique.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was introduced in the late 1980s.
- Recent advancements have spurred increased interest in IVIM MRI, particularly for oncology and neuroradiology applications.
- IVIM MRI aims to provide functional analysis of organs and lesions, complementing anatomical information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the fundamental principles of IVIM MRI.
- To detail the acquisition techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of IVIM MRI.
- To explore the current and potential clinical applications of IVIM MRI, with a focus on oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of the basic principles and technical aspects of IVIM MRI acquisition.
- Analysis of the benefits and limitations associated with the IVIM MRI technique.
- Examination of existing literature on IVIM MRI's clinical utility, especially in abdominal diseases and oncology.
Main Results:
- IVIM MRI provides functional insights beyond conventional imaging.
- The technique shows significant promise in evaluating abdominal organs and diseases.
- Oncology represents the most promising current clinical application for IVIM perfusion MRI.
Conclusions:
- IVIM MRI is a highly promising method for investigating the human body.
- Its application in oncology is particularly noteworthy.
- Standardization of image acquisition and analysis protocols is crucial for broader clinical validation and implementation.
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