High spatial resolution diffusion weighted imaging on clinical 3 T MRI scanners using multislab spiral acquisitions

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Diffusion Weighted Imaging
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for neuroimaging.
• Achieving high spatial resolution (sub-mm) in DWI is challenging due to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) limitations.
• Clinical 3T MRI systems require efficient DWI sequences for diagnostic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel DWI sequence for SNR-efficient sub-millimeter resolution imaging on clinical 3T MRI scanners.
• To improve image quality and reduce artifacts in high-resolution DWI.
• To demonstrate the adaptability of the technique for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Main Methods:

• Developed a multislab, multishot pulsed gradient spin echo DWI sequence with spiral readouts.
• Incorporated long data readouts and field-inhomogeneity-corrected image reconstruction.
• Utilized navigator data for motion-induced phase correction and reduced total acquisition time.
• Compared the proposed sequence against 2D spiral and echo-planar imaging (EPI) acquisitions.

Main Results:

• The proposed technique demonstrated 71% higher SNR efficiency compared to standard 2D EPI.
• Achieved sub-millimeter isotropic resolutions (1.25 mm and 0.8 mm) for diffusion tensor imaging datasets.
• Successfully reduced distortions and corrected motion-induced phase errors.

Conclusions:

• The developed DWI approach enables SNR-efficient sub-millimeter acquisitions on clinical 3T systems.
• This technique offers improved image quality and diagnostic potential for high-resolution neuroimaging.
• The method is adaptable for advanced applications like DTI at unprecedented resolutions.