Abstract
Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) plays a pivotal role in oncologic imaging. This hybrid imaging technique combines anatomical and functional information, providing significant advantages in the staging, restaging, and assessment of treatment response, as well as in the metabolic characterization of tumors. MRI sequences are utilized to enhance the anatomical accuracy of the functional images obtained through PET. This section focuses on the most commonly used fundamental MRI sequences in PET/MRI oncologic imaging. Specifically, T1-weighted, T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences are highlighted, as they allow for detailed examination of the morphological structures of tumors. These sequences can be tailored to different cancer types and clinical scenarios, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of imaging outcomes. Furthermore, the proper integration of these sequences plays a critical role in optimizing patient management and is essential in the planning of treatment strategies.
Keywords: PET/MR, oncologic imaging, MR sequences, T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging
References
Grand DJ, Woodfield CA, and Mayo-Smith WW. Practical body MRI: protocols, applications and image interpretation. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Westbrook C, Talbot J. MRI in practice. Published online 2019:395.
Brant WE, Helms CA. Fundamentals of diagnostic radiology 4th Edition. Published online 2012:40.
Cox RW. k-Space partition diagrams: a graphical tool for analysis of MRI pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med. 2000;43:160-162.
Clinics WGN, 2005 undefined. Basic principles of magnetic resonance imaging. Available at: https://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(04)00104-4/abstract. Accessed September 17, 2024.
McRobbie DW, Moore EA, Graves MJ, et al. MRI from picture to proton. Published online April 13, 2017.
Bitar R, Leung G, Perng R, et al. MR pulse sequences: what every radiologist wants to know but is afraid to ask. Radiographics. 2006;26:513-537.
de Kerviler E, Leroy-Willig A, Clément O, et al. Fat suppression techniques in MRI: an update. Biomed Pharmacother. 1998;52:69-75.
Le Bihan D, Turner R, Douek P, Patronas N. Diffusion MR imaging: clinical applications. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1992;159:591-599.
Iagaru A, Hope T, Veit-Haibach P. PET/MRI in oncology: current clinical applications. PET/MRI in Oncology: Current Clinical Applications. Published online January 23, 2018:1-433
Guniganti P, Kierans AS. PET/MRI of the hepatobiliary system: review of techniques and applications. Clin Imaging. 2021;71:160-169.
von Schulthess GK, Veit-Haibach P. Workflow considerations in PET/MR imaging. J Nucl Med. 2014;55:19S-24S.
States LJ, Reid JR. Whole-body PET/MRI applications in pediatric oncology. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2020;215:713-725.
Veit-Haibach P, Ahlström H, Boellaard R, et al. International EANM-SNMMI-ISMRM consensus recommendation for PET/MRI in oncology. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2023;50:3513-3537.
Boellaard R, Delgado-Bolton R, Oyen WJG, et al. FDG PET/CT: EANM procedure guidelines for tumour imaging: version 2.0. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2015;42:328-354.
Fletcher JW, Djulbegovic B, Soares HP, et al. Recommendations on the use of 18F-FDG PET in oncology. J Nucl Med. 2008;49:480-508.
Shellock FG, Spinazzi A. MRI safety update 2008: part 2, screening patients for MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008;191:1140-1149.
Barbosa Fde G, von Schulthess G, Veit-Haibach P. Workflow in simultaneous PET/MRI. Semin Nucl Med. 2015;45:332-344.
Umutlu L, Beyer T, Grueneisen JS, et al. Whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI for oncology: a consensus recommendation. Nuklearmedizin. 2019;58:68-76.
Kirchner J, Sawicki LM, Suntharalingam S, et al. Whole-body staging of female patients with recurrent pelvic malignancies: ultra-fast 18F-FDG PET/MRI compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT and CT. PLoS One. 2017;12:e0172553.
Marth C, Landoni F, Mahner S, et al. Cervical cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2017;28:iv72-iv83.
