Impact of field strength and RF excitation on abdominal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

To retrospectively and prospectively compare diffusion-weighted (DW) images in the abdomen in a 1.5T system and 3.0T systems with and without two-channel functionality for B1 shimming.

DW images of the abdomen were obtained on 1.5T and 3.0T (with and without two-channel functionality for B1 shimming) scanners on 150 patients (retrospective study population) and 10 volunteers (prospective study population). Eight regions were selected for clinical significance or artifact susceptibility (at higher field strengths). Objective grading quantified signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and subjective evaluation qualified image quality, ghosting artifacts, and diagnostic value. Statistical significance was calculated using χ(2) tests (categorical variables) and independent two-sided t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests (continuous variables).

The 3.0T using dual-source parallel transmit (dpTX 3.0T) provided the significantly highest SNRs in nearly all regions. In regions susceptible to artifacts at higher field strengths (left lobe of liver, head of pancreas), the SNR was better or similar to the 1.5T system. Subjectively, both dpTX 3.0T and 1.5T systems provided higher image quality, diagnostic value, and less ghosting artifact (P < 0.01, most values) compared to the 3.0T system without dual-source parallel transmit (non-dpTX 3.0T).

The dpTX 3.0T scanner provided the highest SNR. Its image quality, lack of ghosting, and diagnostic value were equal to or outperformed most currently used systems.