1) Demonstrate the utility of diffusion weighted imaging in the abdomen. 2) Show advantages and limitations of diffusion weighted imaging in the abdomen.
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been used in neuroimaging for many years. It has only more recently become feasible in the abdomen. The objective of this talk is to emphasize the important role that diffusion-weighted imaging can have in your practice and that it can be used routinely without difficulty in the abdomen and pelvis. DWI potentially can detect additional lesions and direct the radiologist to lesions that are not as well seen on conventional imaging. DWI helps in characterization of lesions but does have limitations in specificity which will be discussed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation can be performed and the applications of these techniques clinically will be described. The strengths and limitations of DWI in multiple organs including the liver, pancreas, adrenal gland, kidney, and evaluation for metastases and infections will be discussed. DWI is especially helpful for identify lymph node and peritoneal metastases. Emerging techniques include the use of diffusion weighted imaging to assess response to therapy following liver-directed therapy will also be discussed. In summary, DWI should be used routinely if not being used at your institution. This talk will show benefits and limitations of DWI in a number of organs in the body.
Miller, F,
Applications of DWI in Clinical Practice – When It Does and Doesn't Help. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010434.html
