SWI is a new type of contrast in MRI which exploits the susceptibility differences between tissues. As a result SWI detects substances with different susceptibilities than their neighboring tissues such as deoxygenated blood, products of blood decomposition and microscopic iron deposits much better than conventional MR techniques. Among other things, the method allows for highly sensitive proof of cerebral hemorrhage and high resolution display of venous cerebral vessels.
Clinical Applications
- Improved detection of hemorrhage, microbleeding (diffuse axonal injury), hemorrhagic transformation (stroke)
- Detection of occult vascular disease (cavernomas, angiomas, telangiectasias)
- Diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis, intra-arterial clot detection
- Identification of iron and other mineral deposition
- Helpful in MR diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
- Tumor characterization