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In the Industry Vocabulary Test
DWI
Also written as: DWI — Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
Diffusion-weighted imaging, an MRI technique that detects the random motion of water molecules to identify acute stroke and other pathology.
Full Definition
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an MRI technique that measures the Brownian motion of water molecules in tissue. In acute stroke, cytotoxic edema restricts water diffusion, causing hyperintensity on DWI images within minutes of onset. This makes DWI the most sensitive early indicator of cerebral ischemia. The technique is also valuable for detecting abscesses, certain tumors, and other pathological processes that alter tissue microstructure and water mobility.
In Context
- "DWI sequences showed acute infarction in the left middle cerebral artery territory." — Emergency radiology report
- "The lesion demonstrated restricted diffusion on DWI with corresponding low ADC values." — Neuroradiology interpretation
Also known as
diffusion-weighted imaging
diffusion imaging
Don't confuse with
DUI (driving under influence)
PWI (perfusion-weighted imaging)