Diffusion-Imaging (DWI)
Of all the sequences performed during a full-body MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging is arguably the most critical for the detection of cancer. However, diffusion-imaging suffers challenges at higher magnetic strengths resulting in increasing distortion of full-body application. In other words, full-body DWI is more difficult to implement on 3T platforms compared to 1.5T. As a result, many 3T providers omit diffusion as the resulting image quality adds no clinical value. Click here to read more about the importance and challenges of DWI.
Below is a table that compares 1.5T and 3T MRI platforms and the use or inclusion of diffusion-weighted imaging.
Diffusion-weighted Imaging (DWI)
| Location | Magnet Strength | Scan Time | DWI Performed | True Full-body DWI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide MRI | 1.5T | 40 - 60 minutes | Likely | No | Not a true full-body MRI |
| Aspect Radiology | 3T | 45 minutes | No | N/A | |
| Brisbane Radiology | 3T | 45 - 60 minutes | Yes | Yes | Without clinical benefit |
| CRT Imaging | 3T | 45 minutes | Yes | No | Segmented DWI |
| Ezra | 3T | 60 minutes | No | N/A | |
| HealthScreen | 1.5T | Unknown | Likely | Unknown | |
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3T | 100 minutes | Yes | Yes | |
| Panorama Radiology Specialists | 3T | Over 3 days | Likely | No | Not a true full-body MRI |
| Prenuvo | 1.5T | 50 minutes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
Looking at all the providers, only two are known to include full-body diffusion in their imaging - Prenuvo (1.5T) and Mermaid Beach Radiology (3T). Full-body diffusion is the cancer money shot, is considered to be the most important acquisition in cancer imaging on MRI.
Due to the geographical location may be the ultimate decider between these two for our readers.
However, the Whole Body MRI Pty Ltd partner Mermaid Beach Radiology has a the advantage of utilising a 3T platform, enabling faster acquisition of more high-resolution data compared to Prenuvo’s 1.5T. This data differential is further exacerbated by differing scan times - 50 minutes on the slower 1.5T compared to 100 minutes on the faster 3T.
When factoring value for money, Mermaid Beach Radiology comes out significantly cheaper as a once-off payment ($3150 versus approximately $4000), but also as a function of scan time, included technology and patient experience.