Multiplexed sensitivity-encoding versus single-shot echo-planar imaging: a comparative study for diffusion-weighted...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid MRI is crucial for diagnosing thyroid nodules.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) aids in characterizing thyroid lesions.
• Conventional DWI (cDWI) has limitations in image quality and conspicuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic performance of MUSE-DWI and cDWI in thyroid MRI.
• To evaluate image quality, lesion conspicuity, and quantitative parameters between the two DWI techniques.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients underwent thyroid MRI using both MUSE-DWI and cDWI at 3.0T.
• Qualitative parameters (image quality, contour, conspicuity) were assessed.
• Quantitative parameters (SNR, CNR, ADC) were measured and compared.

Main Results:

• MUSE-DWI demonstrated significantly better image quality, thyroid contour, and lesion conspicuity than cDWI.
• Higher SNR and CNR were observed with MUSE-DWI.
• MUSE-DWI yielded lower ADC values for both thyroid parenchyma and lesions compared to cDWI.
• ADC values were significantly higher in benign than malignant lesions for both techniques.

Conclusions:

• MUSE-DWI enhances image quality, lesion conspicuity, and CNR in thyroid MRI.
• MUSE-DWI provides more reliable ADC measurements for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid lesions.
• MUSE-DWI is a promising technique for improved thyroid nodule characterization.