Clinical Value of Susceptibility Weighted Imaging of Brain Metastases

Abstract

MRI is used for screening, initial diagnosis and follow-up of brain metastases. Multiparametric MRI protocols encompass an array of image sequences to depict key aspects of metastases morphology and biology. Given the recent safety concerns of Gd-administration and the retention of linear Gd-agents in the brain, non-contrast sequences are currently evaluated regarding their diagnostic value for brain imaging studies. Susceptibility weighted imaging has been established as a valuable clinical and research tool that is heavily used in clinical practice and utilized in diverse pathologies ranging from neuroinflammation, neurovascular disease to neurooncology. We review the value of SWI in the field of brain metastases with an emphasis on its role in early diagnosis, determination of the primary tumor entity, treatment monitoring and discuss therapy-associated changes that can affect SWI. We also review recent insights on the role of "isolated SWI signals" and the controversy on the specificity of SWI for the early detection of brain metastases.

Keywords: MRI; SWI; brain metastases; radiotherapy; treatment monitoring.