Complementary roles of whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI and 18F-FDG PET: the state of the art and potential applications

J Nucl Med. 2010 Oct;51(10):1549-58. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.109.073908. Epub 2010 Sep 16.

Abstract

(18)F-FDG PET is an established functional imaging modality for the evaluation of human disease. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is another rapidly evolving functional imaging modality that can be used to evaluate oncologic and nononcologic lesions throughout the body. The information provided by (18)F-FDG PET and DWI can be complementary, because the 2 methods are based on completely different biophysical underpinnings. This article will describe the basic principles, clinical applications, and limitations of DWI. In addition, the available evidence that correlates and compares (18)F-FDG PET and DWI will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Subtraction Technique / trends*
  • Whole Body Imaging / trends*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18