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In vivo diffusion tensor imaging of the human prostate
1Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1721, USA. ssinha@mednet.ucla.edu
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|August 31, 2004
Summary
This study shows that in vivo prostate diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is feasible in humans. It establishes normative diffusion tensor values and demonstrates anisotropic diffusion in prostate tissue.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) provides insights into tissue microstructure.
- Prostate imaging requires specialized techniques due to anatomical location.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo prostate DTI in human subjects.
- To establish normative diffusion tensor values for prostate tissue.
- To characterize diffusion anisotropy and fiber orientation in the prostate.
Main Methods:
- Implemented an EPI-based diffusion-weighted sequence with cardiac gating.
- Utilized a phased-array prostate surface coil for image acquisition.
- Calculated diffusion indices and fractional anisotropy (FA) to quantify anisotropy.
Main Results:
- Achieved feasible in vivo DTI of the prostate in six subjects.
- Determined average diffusion values for the peripheral zone (PZ) and central gland (CG).
- Reported average FA values for PZ and CG, indicating anisotropic diffusion.
Conclusions:
- In vivo prostate DTI is feasible in human subjects.
- Prostate diffusion is anisotropic, approximating a prolate model.
- Prostate fiber orientation is predominantly superior-inferior (SI).