Imaging parameter effects in apparent diffusion coefficient determination of magnetic resonance imaging.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Diffusion Weighted Imaging

Background:

• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is vital for tumor differential diagnosis.
• ADC values are sensitive to variations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of imaging parameters (b value, TR, TE) on ADC measurements.
• To establish optimal parameters for accurate ADC quantification.

Main Methods:

• Phantoms and normal volunteers underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with varied b values, TR, and TE.
• Biexponential fitting was used to analyze diffusion decay curves and identify turning points.

Main Results:

• Diffusion decay curves exhibited biexponential characteristics, with distinct turning points influenced by the fast diffusion component's ADC.
• Calculating ADC using values around the turning point necessitates using b values up to this point for accuracy.
• A minimum b value of 100 s/mm² is recommended to mitigate perfusion artifacts.
• Long TR and short TE settings enhance the precision of ADC measurements.

Conclusions:

• Identifying the turning point is essential for accurate ADC measurement.
• Optimized scanning parameters (long TR, short TE, appropriate b values) improve ADC quantification reliability.