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MRI of "diffusion" in the human brain: new results using a modified CE-FAST sequence
K D Merboldt1, H Bruhn, J Frahm
1Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study demonstrates diffusion-weighted MRI in the human brain. While artifacts are reduced with image averaging, motion compromises diffusion contrast.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is crucial for evaluating brain tissue microstructure.
- In vivo human brain imaging presents challenges due to motion artifacts, especially with fast imaging sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of diffusion-weighted MRI in the human brain using a modified CE-FAST sequence.
- To assess the impact of motion artifacts and image averaging on image quality and diffusion contrast.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified CE-FAST sequence on a 1.5-T MRI system for rapid (6-10 s) image acquisition.
- Acquired diffusion-weighted images in a normal human brain and a patient with cerebral metastasis.
- Applied image averaging (8-16 images) to mitigate motion-induced artifacts.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated diffusion-weighted MRI in both normal and pathological human brain conditions.
- Observed unavoidable artifacts in vivo, attributed to strong gradients and macroscopic motion.
- Showed significant artifact reduction through image averaging, but noted compromised diffusion contrast due to signal loss.
Conclusions:
- Modified CE-FAST sequences allow for rapid diffusion-weighted MRI of the human brain.
- Motion artifacts remain a significant challenge in in vivo DW-MRI.
- Image averaging can reduce artifacts but may negatively impact diffusion contrast, requiring further optimization.