oa Editorial [Hot Topic: Abdominal and Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the New Frontiers (Guest Editor: Michael R. Torkzad )]

When MRI was introduced, it was first used for neurological and musculoskeletal imaging. The body, due to its size, complex movements, and even more complex pathology remained an elusive domain for MRI. As time went on, this changed quickly as pioneers began exploring what we can do with MRI of abdomen and pelvis. Today MRI is the best non-invasive imaging modality for most abdominal and pelvic diseases. Some of the pioneers in this ever evolving research area have contributed with their invaluable contribution. Though, these works do not encompass all possible fields in abdominal and pelvic MRI, focus has been on the latest improvements and what we now understand from this process. In the following series of articles some of the most prominent groups summarize the latest findings and their own experience from the field. De Souza et al. and Zhen Li, et al. look into the new uses of diffusion weighted imaging in oncology. Diffusion which is basically a functional imaging based on movement of water molecules has become one of the most important methods for detection of malignancies. Malignancies in general restrict free diffusion and thus we have become able to detect malignancies with increased sensitivity. Moreover diffusion plays a role in monitoring tumor response or recurrence....