Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI) is a relatively new magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) sequence relying on susceptibility differences between adjacent tissues to produce an image. It is extremely sensitive for detection of blood products (hemosiderin, ferritin),deoxygenated blood, calcium, iron, and small vein depiction. Little information is available in the literature to describe common findings seen using this imaging sequence. This presentation is an comprehensive review of appearances across the spectrum of brain pathology encountered in routine clinical practice. 1) To review the history and development of SWI 2)...

Typical MRI sequences utilize magnitude data to produce tissue contrast. In SWI, a gradient echo sequence is utilized with TR and TE values set to produce an image somewhere between T1 and T2 weighting. The magnitude image is produced as in any normal MRI sequence. Phase data have historically been discarded as any useful information was obscured by background magnetic field inhomogeneity. Development of sophisticated phase filters has enabled removal of unwanted phase artefacts producing useful soft tissue contrast and a usable image. Multiplying the...

1.Mittal S, Wu Z, Neelavalli J, et al. Susceptibility-weighted imaging: technical aspects and clinical applications, part 2. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009;30:232-252. 2. Thomas B, Somasundaram S, Thamburaj K, et al. Clinical applications of susceptibility weighted MR imaging of the brain – a pictorial review. Neuroradiology 2008;50:105-116. 3. Haacke EM, Mittal S, Wu Z, et al. Susceptibility-weighted imaging: technical aspects and clinical applications, part 1. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009;30:19-30. 4. Wu Z, Mittal S, Kish K, et al. Identification of calcification with MRI using...

Assoc.Prof.Sandeep Bhuta MBBS, DNB, FRANZCR Associate Professor & Neuroradiologist Griffith University, School of Medicine, Dept.of Medical Imaging 108 Nerang Street, Gold Coast Hospital Gold Coast, QLD, 4215 Australia Email:[email protected] Fax: +61755197964