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Review
. 2024 Sep;129(9):1352-1368.
doi: 10.1007/s11547-024-01851-6. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

Whole-body MRI in oncology: acquisition protocols, current guidelines, and beyond

Fabio Zugni  1 , Leonardo Mariani  2 , Doenja M J Lambregts  3   4 , Roberta Maggioni  5 , Paul E Summers  5 , Vincenza Granata  6 , Annarita Pecchi  7 , Giuseppe Di Costanzo  8 , Federica De Muzio  9 , Nicolò Cardobi  10 , Andrea Giovagnoni  11   12 , Giuseppe Petralia  5   13
Affiliations
Review

Whole-body MRI in oncology: acquisition protocols, current guidelines, and beyond

Fabio Zugni et al. Radiol Med. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Acknowledging the increasing use of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) in the oncological setting, we conducted a narrative review focusing on practical aspects of the examination and providing a synthesis of various acquisition protocols described in the literature. Firstly, we addressed the topic of patient preparation, emphasizing methods to enhance examination acceptance. This included strategies for reducing anxiety and patient distress, improving staff-patient interactions, and increasing overall patient comfort. Secondly, we analysed WB-MRI acquisition protocols recommended in existing imaging guidelines, such as MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS, and ONCO-RADS, and provided an overview of acquisition protocols reported in the literature regarding other expanding applications of WB-MRI in oncology, in patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, colorectal and lung cancer, lymphoma, and cancers of unknown primary. Finally, we suggested possible acquisition parameters for whole-body images across MR systems from three different vendors.

Keywords: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging; Li-Fraumeni syndrome; Melanoma; Multiple myeloma; Prostate cancer; Whole body imaging.

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