Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: techniques and applications

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2014 Aug;22(3):373-95. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.04.009.

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a technique that assesses the cellularity, tortuosity of the extracellular/extravascular space, and cell membrane density based on differences in water proton mobility in tissues. The strength of the diffusion weighting is reflected by the b value. DWI using several b values enables the quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient. DWI is increasingly used in liver imaging for multiple reasons: it can add useful qualitative and quantitative information to conventional imaging sequences; it is acquired relatively quickly; it is easily incorporated into existing clinical protocols; and it is a noncontrast technique.

Keywords: Apparent diffusion coefficient; Cirrhosis; Diffusion; Echo planar imaging; IVIM; Liver MRI; Liver lesion characterization; Liver lesion detection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media