Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Whole Body (DWIBS). Potentialities and Perspectives for Application in Bone Pathology

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the role and place of whole body MRI with DWIBS in diagnosis of human loco-motor system oncologic pathology. Two hundred fifty six patients with presumptive diagnosis of oncologic disease were examined. Obtained signal was evaluated by true signal intensity scale in minimal examination volume (voxel), either drawn through the volumetric lesion or in an isolated area of arbitrary shape. Study results were verified using standard MRI protocols (T1, T2, STIR), contrast enhancement, MSCT, radionuclide and morphologic examination. High sensitivity of the technique to pathologically changed tissues with reduced water diffusion coefficient was demonstrated. Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with DWIBS may be recommended as noninvasive screening technique for the diagnosis of both primary and secondary (metastases) oncologic process.