The full form of SWI in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is Susceptibility Weighted Imaging.
Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) Explained
SWI is an MRI technique that enhances image contrast by exploiting the magnetic susceptibility differences of various substances within the body, such as blood, iron, and calcium ([1-3]). This allows for improved visualization of subtle changes that may not be apparent on conventional MRI sequences.
Key Aspects of SWI
- Contrast Mechanism: SWI relies on differences in magnetic susceptibility, which is a material's ability to become magnetized in an external magnetic field. Different tissues and substances have varying susceptibilities.
- Visualization: SWI is particularly useful for visualizing:
- Blood products: Including hemorrhage and microbleeds.
- Iron deposition: As seen in certain neurological conditions.
- Calcification: Some types of calcifications are visible due to their diamagnetic properties.
- Clinical Applications: SWI is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of a variety of conditions, including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Vascular malformations
References
[1-3] As stated in the provided reference, Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) is an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that exploits the magnetic susceptibility differences of various compounds, such as blood, iron, and diamagnetic calcium, thus enabling new sources of MR contrast.
