SWI
Also written as: SWI — Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging
MRI sequence that uses phase information to enhance contrast and detect blood products, calcifications, and iron deposits.
Full Definition
Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is an advanced MRI technique that combines magnitude and phase information from gradient echo sequences to create enhanced contrast images. SWI is particularly sensitive to blood products, calcifications, iron deposits, and venous structures, making it valuable for detecting microbleeds, vascular malformations, and neurodegenerative changes. The technique exploits magnetic susceptibility differences between tissues to reveal pathology often invisible on conventional MRI sequences.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when using acronym; spell out on first use in clinical documents.
In Context
- "SWI sequences revealed multiple cerebral microbleeds not visible on conventional T2-weighted images." — Radiology report
- "The research protocol included SWI to detect subtle iron accumulation in deep gray matter structures." — Clinical trial methodology