Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: December 15, 2014
A framework for optimization of diffusion-weighted MRI protocols for large field-of-view abdominal-pelvic imaging in
Jessica M Winfield1, David J Collins1, Andrew N Priest2
1MRI Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, United Kingdom and Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom.
Purpose:
To develop methods for optimization of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in the abdomen and pelvis on 1.5 T MR scanners from three manufacturers and assess repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) estimates in a temperature-controlled phantom and abdominal and pelvic organs in healthy volunteers.
Methods:
Geometric distortion, ghosting, fat suppression, and repeatability and homogeneity of ADC estimates were assessed using phantoms and volunteers. Healthy volunteers (ten per scanner) were each scanned twice on the same scanner. One volunteer traveled to all three institutions in order to provide images for qualitative comparison. The common volunteer was excluded from quantitative analysis of the data from scanners 2 and 3 in order to ensure statistical independence, giving n = 10 on scanner 1 and n = 9 on scanners 2 and 3 for quantitative analysis. Repeatability and interscanner variation of ADC estimates in kidneys, liver, spleen, and uterus were assessed using within-patient coefficient of variation (wCV) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively.
Results:
The coefficient of variation of ADC estimates in the temperature-controlled phantom was 1%-4% for all scanners. Images of healthy volunteers from all scanners showed homogeneous fat suppression and no marked ghosting or geometric distortion. The wCV of ADC estimates was 2%-4% for kidneys, 3%-7% for liver, 6%-9% for spleen, and 7%-10% for uterus. ADC estimates in kidneys, spleen, and uterus showed no significant difference between scanners but a significant difference was observed in liver (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
DW-MRI protocols can be optimized using simple phantom measurements to produce good quality images in the abdomen and pelvis at 1.5 T with repeatable quantitative measurements in a multicenter study.
Insights
Optimized diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) protocols provide good quality abdominal and pelvic images at 1.5 T. This multicenter study confirms repeatable apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements across different scanners.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diffusion-Weighted MRI
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is crucial for abdominal and pelvic imaging.
- Standardization of DW-MRI protocols across different 1.5 T MR scanners is needed for reliable quantitative analysis.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) estimates are sensitive to imaging parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize DW-MRI protocols for abdomen and pelvis imaging on 1.5 T scanners from three manufacturers.
- To assess the repeatability of ADC estimates in phantoms and abdominal/pelvic organs.
- To evaluate interscanner variability of ADC measurements.
Main Methods:
- Development and optimization of DW-MRI sequences.
- Assessment of geometric distortion, ghosting, and fat suppression using phantoms.
- Quantitative analysis of ADC repeatability (wCV) and interscanner variation (Kruskal-Wallis test) in 10 healthy volunteers per scanner.
- Inclusion of a common volunteer for qualitative comparison across institutions.
Main Results:
- Optimized protocols yielded homogeneous fat suppression and minimal distortion/ghosting across all scanners.
- Excellent phantom repeatability (1%-4% CV) was achieved.
- Good repeatability in vivo: kidneys (2%-4% wCV), liver (3%-7% wCV), spleen (6%-9% wCV), and uterus (7%-10% wCV).
- No significant interscanner differences in ADC for kidneys, spleen, and uterus; a significant difference was noted for the liver (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- DW-MRI protocols can be effectively optimized using phantom measurements for high-quality abdominal and pelvic imaging at 1.5 T.
- Repeatable quantitative ADC measurements are achievable in a multicenter setting.
- Standardized protocols enhance the reliability of DW-MRI in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
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...