MRI WHOLE BODY

Whole Body MRI – An Overview

Introduction to Whole Body MRI 

A Whole Body MRI is a comprehensive scan that captures detailed images of organs, bones, soft tissues, blood vessels, and joints throughout the entire body in a single session. It is often used for cancer screening, metastasis detection, or evaluating systemic conditions without radiation exposure. 

Key Uses of Whole Body MRI 

• Cancer screening (primary or metastatic) 
• Multiple myeloma or bone marrow evaluation 
• Detection of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases 
• Musculoskeletal pain or unexplained symptoms 
• Whole-body metastatic surveillance 
• Assessment in genetic cancer syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni) 

What is a Whole-Body MRI Scan? 

A Whole-Body MRI Scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images from head to toe. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, it does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for repeated or screening purposes. 

MRI Whole Body Parameters Considered

• T1, T2, STIR, and DWI sequences for organ and soft tissue characterization 
• Coronal and axial plane imaging from head to toe 
• Fat-suppressed sequences to highlight lesions and Edema 
• Optional contrast-enhanced sequences for tumour vascularity and staging 
• Bone marrow signal intensity and lymph node evaluation 

Reasons for Whole Body MRI Scan

• Early cancer detection or recurrence 
• Rule out occult metastasis 
• Evaluate bone and soft tissue tumours 
• Investigate multiple sites of musculoskeletal pain 
• Monitor response to oncologic therapy 

When and Who Needs an MRI of the Whole Body? 

Indications for Whole Body MRI: 

• Cancer screening in high-risk patients 
• Evaluation of bone marrow disorders (e.g., multiple myeloma, lymphoma) 
• Monitoring metastasis or recurrence 
• Screening in asymptomatic individuals with genetic cancer risk 
• Unexplained systemic pain, fatigue, or inflammation 
• Autoimmune or systemic diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis) 

Benefits of Whole Body MRI

• Radiation-free, whole-body assessment 
• High sensitivity for bone marrow, soft tissue, and organ lesions 
• Ideal for children and high-risk populations 
• Detects asymptomatic lesions or early-stage disease 
• Can replace multiple regional scans with one complete study 

Conditions Diagnosed with Whole Body MRI

• Cancer/metastasis 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Lymphoma 
• Bone tumours 
• Inflammatory arthritis 
• Genetic cancer predispositions 

Preparation for Whole Body MRI Scan

• Wear loose, metal-free clothing 
• Remove watches, piercings, hearing aids, etc. 
• Inform staff of implants, stents, pacemakers, or pregnancy 
• Bring previous scans for comparison 

Pre-requisites for MRI Whole Body Scan 

• Doctor’s referral indicating clinical suspicion or need 
• Creatinine test if contrast is required 
• Detailed medical history, especially prior cancers or surgeries 

Best Time to Perform an MRI of the Whole Body 

• When there's a known primary cancer or history of malignancy 
• Before treatment for staging 
• After treatment for surveillance 
• In high-risk patients for annual or biannual cancer screening 

Eligibility for Whole Body MRI Scan 

• Safe for most individuals 
• Not suitable for those with metallic foreign bodies, pacemakers, or cochlear implants (unless MRI-compatible) 
• May be challenging for young children or claustrophobic patients 

Procedure for Whole Body MRI 

• Patient lies supine on the MRI table 
• Whole-body coil systems are used for optimal coverage 
• Scan takes 60–90 minutes 
• IV contrast may be given if indicated 
• Patient must lie still throughout 

Caution during MRI Whole Body Radiology 

• Movement can severely affect image quality 
• Notify the radiologist of implants, surgeries, or allergies 
• Contrast is usually avoided unless essential 
• Mild warmth or knocking sounds are normal