Ces radiol. 2007, 61(4):351-363

Whole body magnetic resonance imagingReview article

Boris Kreuzberg¹, Jiří Ferda^1,2

¹ Radiodiagnostická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

² Oddělení nukleární medicíny LF UK a FN, Plzeň

Whole body MR imaging was enabled due to the introduction of parallel acquisition techniques, fast sequences and mainly whole-body matrix coil. Using the multielement phased array body coil and parallel acquisition techniques, the examination is feasible in real time with the excellent quality of the images. This article deals with the whole - body MR imaging of the skeleton, brain and parenchymatous organs. The indications to the examination are mainly oncological at the suspection of malignant tumor spread. The examination brings necessary information for staging of the diseases. The diagnostic algorithm with performed sequences is introduced. There is only marginal remark concerning another form of whole-body MR imaging of cardiovascular system in the article. The diagnostic accuracy of the method in comparison with classical methods (conventional radiography, bone scintigraphy) is being discussed. In the same way the modern, recently used PET/CT is compared with whole body MRI. The diagnostic reliability and results of both methods are discussed. The lack of ionizing radiation load not speaking about relatively high degree of accuracy is undoubtedly the advantages of whole-body MR imaging. The possibility of whole-body imaging by magnetic resonance was the turning point in the development of the method. Further progress of the technique and wider use could be expected.

Keywords: whole body MR imaging, whole body imaging, magnetic resonance, tumors of the unknown origin

Grants and funding:

Podpořeno výzkumným projektem MSM 0021620819.

Accepted: September 19, 2007; Published: December 1, 2007  Show citation