Pamela Julia Walsh MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

John J. Hines MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Barak Friedman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mark Evan Bittman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) often provides valuable information on various inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic conditions in the abdomen and pelvis. 2. DWI can frequently reveal abnormalities which are difficult, if not impossible to see on conventional spin-echo, gradient echo or gadolinium-enhanced sequences. 3. DWI imaging takes on added importance in patients who are unable to receive gadolinium-based contrast agents, including patients with end stage renal disease, pregnant patients, and patients with allergy to gadolinium.  

I. Introduction to DWI and ADC maps II. Examples of pathology in the abdomen and pelvis well characterized using DWI, with emphasis in which DWI added information not available with standard MR imaging sequences. Case examples include: • primary malignancy detection • metastatic disease • tumor recurrences • inflammatory processes: autoimmune pancreatitis, hepatic abscesses, pyelonephritis, inflammatory and infectious bowel disease III. Examples of the benefit of DWI in patients who are unable to receive contrast, including evaluation for appendicitis in pregnant patients and in characterization of renal masses in patients with severe renal insufficiency. IV. Discussion of some of the limitations and potential pitfalls in interpretation of DWI.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14015824/14015824_axyj.pdf

Walsh, P, Hines, J, Friedman, B, Bittman, M, Applications of Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Abdominal and Pelvic Pathology.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14015824.html