Whole Body MRI: Non-oncological Musculoskeletal Applications

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Whole-body MRI is an emerging imaging technique on continuous evolution, used in many oncologic indications and introduced more recently in rheumatologic and systemic disorders. In this article, we review the recent musculoskeletal applications of this technique outside the field of cancer.

Recent Findings

Whole-body MRI, with its high sensitivity to bone marrow and soft-tissue alterations, and ability of extensive body coverage, is progressively regarded as an effective and powerful imaging tool for the detection, staging, and monitoring under treatment of many rheumatic diseases and systemic pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system. Disease specific imaging protocols have been designed.

Summary

Whole-body MRI is an appealing, non-irradiating tool emerging in musculoskeletal imaging. It is becoming the imaging of choice in several non-oncologic indications, and its application field is on continuous expansion.