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Published on: November 8, 2012
Diffusion-weighted MRI of the liver: challenges and some solutions for the quantification of apparent diffusion
Yi Xiang J Wang1, Hua Huang2, Cun-Jing Zheng1
1Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is sensitive to the mobility of water molecule at cellular and macromolecular level, much smaller than the spatial resolution of the images. It is commonly based on single shot echo-planar imaging sequence with the addition of motion-probing gradient pulses and fat suppression. DWI is increasingly incorporated into routine body magnetic resonance imaging protocols. However, the liver is particularly affected by physiological motions such as respiration; the left liver is also affected by cardiac motion artifacts and susceptibility artefact due to contents in the stomach. Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) DWI data analysis requires high-quality data acquisition using multiple b-values and confidence in the measurements at low b-values. This article reviews the technical developments of DWI and its applications in the liver. Challenges and some solutions for the quantification of apparent diffusion coefficient and intravoxel incoherent motion are discussed. Currently, acquisition protocols vary between research groups; patient preparation and data post-processing are not standardized. Increased standardization, both in data acquisition and in image analysis, is imperative so to allow generation of reliable DW-MRI biomarker measures that are broadly applicable.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) offers insights into cellular water mobility for liver MRI. Standardization of DWI acquisition and analysis is crucial for reliable intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) biomarker development.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) detects water molecule mobility at sub-resolution levels.
- DWI is integral to body MRI, but liver imaging faces motion and artifact challenges.
- Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) DWI requires high-quality data across multiple b-values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review technical advancements in DWI for liver applications.
- To discuss challenges and solutions in quantifying ADC and IVIM parameters.
- To highlight the need for standardized DWI protocols in liver MRI.
Main Methods:
- Review of technical developments in DWI sequences.
- Analysis of challenges in liver DWI acquisition and processing.
- Discussion of quantification methods for ADC and IVIM.
Main Results:
- DWI is sensitive to microstructural changes but susceptible to physiological artifacts in the liver.
- IVIM analysis demands precise data acquisition, especially at low b-values.
- Current DWI protocols and analysis methods lack standardization across research groups.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of DWI acquisition and post-processing is essential for reliable liver MRI biomarkers.
- Addressing motion and artifact challenges will improve DWI utility in liver disease assessment.
- Harmonized protocols will enable broader clinical application of DWI-derived IVIM measures.
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