Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging can increase the conspicuity of skull lesions and be applied
toward noninvasive differentiation of malignant from benign lesions. Malignant skull
lesions generally display lower diffusivity than benign lesions, although there are
exceptions, and clinical parameters and conventional imaging modalities should also
be considered in the evaluation of skull lesions. Nevertheless, in some instances
diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used for problem solving when conventional
imaging features are indeterminate, such as with skull base involvement by nasopharyngeal
carcinoma versus osteomyelitis. In addition, DWI may be useful for monitoring treatment
effects. The use of readout segmented technique, parallel imaging, multishot acquisition,
turbo spin-echo DWI, diffusion tensor imaging, and higher field strengths can improve
image quality. The feasibility of implementing DWI for characterizing skull lesions,
the DWI findings of benign and malignant skull lesions, and technical considerations
are discussed in this article.
Keywords
skull - lesions - apparent diffusion coefficient - diffusion-weighted imaging - MRI
