The quest for high spatial resolution diffusion-weighted imaging of the human brain in vivo

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Physics

Background:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a unique MRI contrast method for in vivo tissue microstructure assessment.
• DWI's sensitivity to microstructural details makes it vulnerable to motion artifacts, historically limiting its spatial resolution.
• Previous limitations necessitated restricted acquisition techniques, resulting in lower spatial resolution compared to other MRI applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advanced MRI pulse sequences and techniques enhancing diffusion-weighted imaging.
• To highlight methods pushing the boundaries of image quality and spatial resolution in DWI.
• To address the challenge of motion artifacts in high-resolution DWI.

Main Methods:

• Focus on novel pulse sequences specifically developed for diffusion-weighted MRI.
• Review of associated techniques designed to mitigate motion artifacts.
• Exploration of methodologies enabling higher spatial resolution in DWI acquisitions.

Main Results:

• Recent advances in MRI methodology are enabling higher spatial resolution in DWI.
• New techniques are pushing the limits of image quality in diffusion-weighted MRI.
• Developmental pulse sequences show promise in overcoming motion-related limitations.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing advancements in MRI techniques are significantly improving DWI capabilities.
• These developments are crucial for achieving higher spatial resolution and better image quality in diffusion-weighted imaging.
• The reviewed methods offer potential for more detailed in vivo tissue microstructure analysis.