[Oncologic screening with whole-body MRI: possibilities and limitations]

Abstract

In the last decade the interest in radiological screening examination increased among informed laymen enormously. Independent from the evidence of whole-body examinations for cancer prevention the discussion about screening must again be considered again due to the newest technical developments, since MRI of the whole-body with high spatial resolution is feasible now within one single examination. The newest system permits simultaneous connection of up to 76 coil elements and signal reception from 32 independent receiving channels. Whole-body MRI including magnetic resonance colonography (MRC) is feasible within 60 min. In this review potential investigation protocols will be presented. Potentials, challenges and limitations of whole-body MRI in the prevention of the malignancies most frequently leading to death are discussed on the basis own experiences examples and the literature.