Whole-Body MRI: A Technique Primer
Jessica Winfield1,2
1Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom, 2Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom

Synopsis

Keywords: Image acquisition: Whole body, Cross-organ: Cancer, Body: Body

This presentation will discuss whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in oncology, including diffusion-weighted MRI and Dixon imaging. We will discuss recommended WB-MRI protocols, and optimisation of imaging protocols on modern, clinical scanners. Finally, we will discuss some of the artefacts and pitfalls encountered in WB-MRI and techniques for solving common problems.

Abstract and learning objectives

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is part of national and international recommendations for imaging patients with metastatic prostate cancer or myeloma1,2. WB-MRI is used in assessment of the extent of systemic malignant bone disease and assessment of response to treatment. Contemporary WB-MRI protocols, which include diffusion-weighted MRI and Dixon MRI, provide functional and morphological information. WB-MRI protocols have been successfully implemented on a wide range of modern, clinical MRI scanners3.

In this talk we will discuss WB-MRI protocols for oncological applications. We will discuss the physical principles of diffusion-weighted MRI and Dixon imaging, and practical considerations for implementing these techniques in WB-MRI4. We will review some artefacts and technical issues encountered in WB-MRI and methods for protocol optimisation.

Learning objectives:
• Understand current guidelines for use of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in oncological applications.
• Understand physical principles of diffusion-weighted MRI and Dixon (fat/water) imaging and optimisation of these techniques for WB-MRI.
• Understand how to set up WB-MRI protocols on modern, clinical MRI scanners.
• Understand how to address some common artefacts and technical issues in WB-MRI.

Acknowledgements

This presentation represents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre and the Clinical Research Facility in Imaging at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

References

1. Padhani AR, Lecouvet FE, Tunariu N et al (2017) METastasis Reporting and Data System for Prostate Cancer: Practical Guidelines for Acquisition, Interpretation, and Reporting of Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Evaluations of Multiorgan Involvement in Advanced Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 71:81-92. Doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2016.05.033

2. Messiou C, Hillengass J, Delorme S et al (2019) Guidelines for Acquisition, Interpretation, and Reporting of Whole-Body MRI in Myeloma: Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System (MY-RADS). Radiology 291:5-13. Doi:10.1148/radiol.2019181949

3. Rata M, Blackledge M, Scurr E et al (2022) Implementation of Whole-Body MRI (MY-RADS) within the OPTIMUM/MUKnine multi-centre clinical trial for patients with myeloma. Insights into Imaging 13:1-16. Doi:10.1186/s13244-022-01253-0

4. Winfield JM, Blackledge MD, Tunariu N, Koh DM, Messiou C (2021) Whole-body MRI: a practical guide for imaging patients with malignant bone disease. Clin Radiol 76:715-727. Doi:10.1016/j.crad.2021.04.001

Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 31 (2023)