Background

Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) has become a relatively standard sequence that is used in neuroradiology practice. It can provide a large amount of diagnostic information, in spite of it’s relatively quick acquisition time and this makes it a very desirable sequence to include in routine neuroradiology. However, it is prone to a number of pitfalls and artifacts which need to be recognised.

Objective

The objective of this review is to increase the readers understanding of DWI physics, it’s role in different neuroradiological diagnoses, potential limitations of DWI and artifacts associated with DWI and how to overcome them.

Methods

An overview of the physics of MRI DWI will be provided. Example cases from our own practice of different neurological and neurosurgical conditions in where DWI plays an important role in the diagnosis. We will also highlight limitations of DWI such as the presence of blood products. Examples of artifacts pertinent to DWI will be present with tips on how to overcome them.

Results

A showcase of the value and limitations of DWI in a range of pathologies will be shown.

Conclusions

DWI is important sequence used routinely in neuroradiology. It has added diagnostic value and should be considered a conventional sequence. However, it is important to be able to recognise it’s limitations and potential artifacts which can be overcome by modifying acquisition techniques.