Magnetic Resonance Water Tracer Imaging Using 17 O-Labeled Water

Invest Radiol. 2024 Jan 1;59(1):92-103. doi: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000001021. Epub 2023 Sep 15.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial imaging technique for visualizing water in living organisms. Besides proton MRI, which is widely available and enables direct visualization of intrinsic water distribution and dynamics in various environments, MR-WTI (MR water tracer imaging) using 17 O-labeled water has been developed, benefiting from the many advancements in MRI software and hardware that have substantially improved the signal-to-noise ratio and made possible faster imaging. This cutting-edge technique allows the generation of novel and valuable images for clinical use. This review elucidates the studies related to MRI water tracer techniques centered around 17 O-labeled water, explaining the fundamental principles of imaging and providing clinical application examples. Anticipating continued progress in studies involving isotope-labeled water, this review is expected to contribute to elucidating the pathophysiology of various diseases related to water dynamics abnormalities and establishing novel imaging diagnostic methods for associated diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Software*