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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2014; 75(03): 204-213
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1371362
Invited Review
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Skull Lesions

Daniel T. Ginat
1   Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
,
Rajiv Mangla
2   Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
,
Gabrielle Yeaney
3   Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
,
Sven Ekholm
2   Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 March 2012

03 November 2012

Publication Date:
12 March 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging can increase the conspicuity of skull lesions and be applied toward noninvasive differentiation of malignant from benign lesions. Malignant skull lesions generally display lower diffusivity than benign lesions, although there are exceptions, and clinical parameters and conventional imaging modalities should also be considered in the evaluation of skull lesions. Nevertheless, in some instances diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used for problem solving when conventional imaging features are indeterminate, such as with skull base involvement by nasopharyngeal carcinoma versus osteomyelitis. In addition, DWI may be useful for monitoring treatment effects. The use of readout segmented technique, parallel imaging, multishot acquisition, turbo spin-echo DWI, diffusion tensor imaging, and higher field strengths can improve image quality. The feasibility of implementing DWI for characterizing skull lesions, the DWI findings of benign and malignant skull lesions, and technical considerations are discussed in this article.

Keywords

skull - lesions - apparent diffusion coefficient - diffusion-weighted imaging - MRI
 

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