Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Multishot diffusion-weighted PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen
Jie Deng1, Frank H Miller, Riad Salem
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using multishot PROPELLER for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the abdomen.
Materials And Methods:
Diffusion-weighted abdominal imaging was performed in 9 healthy volunteers and 3 patients using both single-shot DW-SE-EPI and multishot DW-PROPELLER (BLADE sequence). We compared ADC measurements in phantoms, liver and pancreatic tissues and performed qualitative comparisons of the diffusion-weighted images and ADC maps provided by these 2 techniques.
Results:
DW-PROPELLER significantly improved image quality (P < 0.05) with reduced geometric distortion and artifact. The ADC values of phantoms and abdominal organs measured by DW-PROPELLER were generally greater than those measured by single-shot DW-SE-EPI. The ADC values measured by both DWI techniques were significantly different for liver tissues but not for pancreatic tissues (P < 0.05). Preliminary patient studies demonstrated clearly distinguished lesion areas from surrounding normal liver tissues in the DW-PROPELLER images. DW-PROPELLER offers the potential for high-resolution DWI of the abdomen.
Conclusions:
The multishot DW-PROPELLER sequence is a promising technique for DWI of abdominal organs. Future clinical studies will evaluate the use of DW-PROPELLER technique for abdominal oncologic imaging applications.
Insights
Multishot PROPELLER diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) shows improved abdominal organ image quality and reduced artifacts. This technique holds promise for high-resolution abdominal DWI, particularly in oncologic applications.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for abdominal organ assessment.
- Single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) is commonly used but suffers from artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of multishot PROPELLER for abdominal DWI.
- To compare multishot DW-PROPELLER with single-shot DW-SE-EPI for abdominal imaging.
Main Methods:
- Performed abdominal DWI in volunteers and patients using single-shot DW-SE-EPI and multishot DW-PROPELLER (BLADE).
- Compared apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in phantoms, liver, and pancreas.
- Qualitatively assessed image quality, geometric distortion, and artifacts.
Main Results:
- DW-PROPELLER significantly improved image quality, reducing distortion and artifacts (P < 0.05).
- ADC values generally higher with DW-PROPELLER; significant differences noted in liver tissue (P < 0.05).
- Preliminary patient studies showed clear lesion differentiation in DW-PROPELLER images.
Conclusions:
- Multishot DW-PROPELLER is a promising technique for abdominal organ DWI.
- Offers potential for high-resolution abdominal DWI.
- Future studies will explore its use in abdominal oncologic imaging.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...