Body MRI: Imaging Protocols, Techniques, and Lessons Learned

Body MRI has evolved from a niche subspecialty to a standard modality in the practice of abdominal radiology. However, the prac-ticing radiologist may feel uncomfortable interpreting body MRI studies owing to a lack of case volume and inconsistent exposure. The authors highlight teaching points and subtleties central to better acquisition and interpretation of body MRI studies. Appropriate contrast agent selection and arterial phase acquisition timing pro-vide greater diagnostic certainty in answering common clinical questions at liver MRI, such as assessing cirrhosis and evaluating focal liver lesions. Clinically relevant artifacts and physiologic phe-nomena, such as magnetic susceptibility and transient hepatic intensity difference, must be recognized and appropriately used when reading a study. Fat within organs and lesions is commonly encountered at body MRI. The authors discuss the nuances of common and uncommon entities, how to address fat suppression failure, as-sessment of bone marrow at body MRI, and an organized approach to fat-containing renal and adrenal masses. Motion artifacts are more commonly encountered at body MRI than at MRI of other anatomic regions, and understanding the various techniques, their benefits, and trade-offs will aid the body imager in protocol design and moving beyond “nondiagnostic” examinations. Challenging anatomic sites to evaluate at body MRI are reviewed. Finally, the authors offer tips for accurate interpretation of diffusion-weighted imaging, hepatobiliary phase imaging, and posttreatment imaging studies. By reviewing this article, the abdominal imager will be better prepared to perform and interpret body MRI studies confi-dently and accurately.