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Diffusion-weighted MRI of solid pancreatic lesions: Comparison between reduced field-of-view and large field-of-view
Francescamaria Donati1, Chiara Casini2, Rosa Cervelli2
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Purpose:
To compare the image quality, presence of artifacts and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of reduced field-of-view (rFOV) and large FOV (lFOV) single-shot spin-echo echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of solid pancreatic lesion.
Method:
The 3T MR examinations of 60 patients with solid pancreatic lesions were examined. Two Readers independently performed qualitative analysis and quantitative measurements of the ADC values of the solid pancreatic lesions in both rFOV and lFOV DWI sequence. The qualitative analysis parameters included: 1) Sharpness, 2) Distortion, Ghosting, Motion and Susceptibility artifacts, 3) Lesion Conspicuity and 4) Overall Image Quality. These parameters were evaluated using a 4-point scale. The T-test for paired data was used to compare qualitative scores and the ADC values of the rFOV and lFOV DWI sequences, and to assess inter-reader agreement.
Results:
The qualitative analysis yielded scores for the rFOV DWI sequence, which were better for sharpness, artifacts, and overall image quality as compared to the lFOV DWI sequence according to the only Reader 2 (the most experienced) (p ≤ 0.001). As to lesion conspicuity, no significant difference was found by either Reader (p ≥ 0.245). As to quantitative analysis, both Readers found no significant difference between the two sequences in the ADC values of various solid pancreatic lesions (p ≥ 0.156).
Conclusions:
The rFOV DWI sequence of the pancreas provides better anatomic structure visualization, reduced artifacts, and better overall image quality as compared to the lFOV DWI sequence according to the Reader with the more experience in abdominal MRI. The ADC values were not significantly different in the two sequences. The rFOV DWI sequence could be included in the standard MRI protocol for the pancreas.
Insights
Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) offers superior image quality and fewer artifacts for solid pancreatic lesions compared to large FOV (lFOV) DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values remain consistent across both DWI sequences.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for evaluating solid pancreatic lesions.
- Optimizing DWI protocols is essential for accurate diagnosis and characterization.
- Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) techniques aim to improve image quality and reduce artifacts in DWI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the image quality, artifact presence, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of reduced field-of-view (rFOV) and large field-of-view (lFOV) single-shot spin-echo echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of rFOV DWI in assessing solid pancreatic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with solid pancreatic lesions underwent 3T MRI examinations.
- Two independent readers performed qualitative analysis (sharpness, artifacts, lesion conspicuity, overall image quality) and quantitative ADC measurements for both rFOV and lFOV DWI sequences.
- Statistical analysis using the T-test for paired data was employed to compare the sequences and assess inter-reader agreement.
Main Results:
- The rFOV DWI sequence demonstrated significantly better sharpness, artifact reduction, and overall image quality compared to the lFOV DWI sequence, particularly noted by the more experienced reader (p ≤ 0.001).
- No significant difference was found in lesion conspicuity between the two sequences (p ≥ 0.245).
- Quantitative analysis revealed no significant difference in ADC values for solid pancreatic lesions between the rFOV and lFOV DWI sequences (p ≥ 0.156).
Conclusions:
- The rFOV DWI sequence provides enhanced visualization of pancreatic anatomy, reduced artifacts, and superior overall image quality compared to lFOV DWI, as validated by an experienced abdominal MRI reader.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values are comparable between the two DWI sequences.
- The rFOV DWI sequence is recommended for inclusion in standard pancreatic MRI protocols due to its improved diagnostic performance.
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