Comparison of computed versus acquired readout-segmented diffusion-weighted imaging in visualizing scrotal or...

Combining computed diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with readout-segmented echo-planar-imaging may shorten acquisition time and improve imaging quality. This study aimed to compare computed vs. acquired DWI qualitatively and quantitatively in visualizing scrotal or testicular lesions.

We retrospectively enrolled 57 consecutive men who underwent scrotal MRI. Four computed DWI sets (cDWI₈₀₀, cDWI₁₀₀₀, cDWI₁₂₀₀, and cDWI₁₄₀₀) were generated from acquired DWI with two lower b-values (150 and 600 s/mm²). Acquired DWI (DWI₈₀₀ and DWI₁₀₀₀) and computed DWI were compared through qualitative (susceptibility artifact, signal loss artifact, anatomic clarity, and lesion conspicuity) and quantitative assessment (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and lesion-to-testicular parenchyma contrast ratio (CR)).

Computed DWI was prone to signal loss artifact and slightly lower assessment scores in terms of anatomic clarity and lesion conspicuity, comparing with acquired DWI. The SNR of computed and acquired DWI decreased with increasing b value. Under the same b-values (800 and 1,000 s/mm²), there was no difference in the median SNR and CR between computed and acquired DWI. The median CR of cDWI₁₄₀₀ was significantly higher than that of the other DWI sets excepting cDWI₁₂₀₀ (P=1.000). The median CNR tended to be lower for computed vs. acquired DWI, while no significant difference (P=0.233).

Computed and acquired DWI were nearly equivalent in both qualitative and quantitative evaluations at the b values of 800 and 1,000 s/mm². Computed DWI could enhance the contrast of scrotal or testicular lesions.