Clinical Utility of Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Routine Practice: A Hospital-Based Observational Study (Code-T0265)

Introduction: Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is an advanced MRI technique that enhances tissue contrast by utilizing magnetic susceptibility differences. It provides crucial insights into various neurological disorders by detecting deoxygenated blood, hemosiderin, ferritin, and calcium deposits. This study explores the clinical applications of SWI in routine neurological diagnostics.

Aims and Objectives:

1. To illustrate the clinical objectives of SWI as a sequence of MRI Brain in neurologic disorders.
2. To collect evidence and prove that SWI is a better approach to diagnose the neurologic disorders.
3. To determine different pathologies of brain with SWI sequence with the help of routine brain sequences

Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted over one year at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Patients aged 1 day to 85 years referred for MRI with neurological indications, including stroke, infections, tumors, and hemorrhage, were included. Those with MRI contraindications were excluded. Data was collected through routine MRI brain sequences, including SWI, performed using a Siemens TIM Avanto 1.5T scanner. The sample size was calculated using the Danial formula, resulting in 50 participants.

Results: Findings were documented based on MRI observations, emphasizing SWI’s superiority in detecting microbleeds, venous abnormalities, and iron deposition in neurological disorders. The study highlights the role of SWI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional MRI techniques.

Conclusion: SWI significantly improves the detection of neurological abnormalities, providing a reliable imaging tool for clinical practice. As its adoption increases, it is expected to refine diagnostic approaches and patient management strategies in neurology.

Keywords: Susceptibility-weighted imaging, MRI, Neurological disorders, Brain pathology, Iron deposition, Microbleeds