1) Discuss the basic concepts for DWI in body applications. 2) Describe the emerging role of DWI in assessing response in cancer. 3) Discuss the application of DWI in whole body imaging.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) can provide functional information at a cellular level by measuring water diffusion values. DWI is sensitive to changes in the micro diffusion of water and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is an indicator of the movement of water within the tissue. In abdominal oncology, DWI has been successfully used in assessing treatment response of liver tumors. In addition, ADC values have been shown to predict tumor response to treatment. In some instances low tumor ADC before treatment can be predictive of better outcome. Assessing response of in the entire tumor volume may be more valuable than a single ROI measurement. Moreover, multiparametric response maps that include changes in both ADC and enhancement after therapy are more predictive of response and patient survival compared to ADC or enhancement alone. We will review the different response criteria for various liver tumors treated with intra arterial therapy. New application of DWI including whole body applications will also be discussed.
Kamel, I,
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010453.html
