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Updated: May 8, 2025

Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Multi-band vs. conventional diffusion-weighted MRI of the abdomen in children and young adults
Pradipta Debnath1, Jean A Tkach1,2, Zachary R Abramson3
1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA.
Objectives:
Implementation of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for abdominal imaging in children has challenges due to motion artifacts exacerbated by long acquisition times. We aimed to compare acquisition time and image quality between conventional DWI and multi-band (MB) DWI of the liver in children and young adults.
Methods:
Clinical MRI exams from May 2023 to January 2024 were reviewed, including four DWI sequences: respiratory-triggered (RTr, clinical standard), free-breathing (FB), MB-DWI with shift factor 1 (MBsf1), and MB-DWI with shift factor 2 (MBsf2). Acquisition times were recorded, and signal intensity and apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR) were calculated for the liver and spleen. Six blinded pediatric radiologists independently assessed image quality, artifacts, and lesion visualization on a 5-point Likert scale and identified their preferred sequence. Statistical comparisons were made using Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests.
Results:
Median acquisition times were significantly reduced with MB-DWI (43 s for MBsf1/MBsf2) compared to FB (84 s) and RTr (240 s). Image quality and artifact scores were highest for RTr and FB sequences (p < 0.0001). Mean image quality scores were 3.7 (RTr, FB), 3.4 (MBsf1), and 3.5 (MBsf2), while artifact scores followed a similar trend (higher score = fewer artifacts). Lesion visualization scores were comparable across sequences (p = 0.11), and reviewers expressed no preference in 47% of cases. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were consistent across all sequences (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
MB-DWI significantly reduces acquisition time while maintaining acceptable image quality and lesion visualization, making it a valuable option for pediatric abdominal MRI.
Insights
Multi-band diffusion-weighted imaging (MB-DWI) significantly shortens pediatric abdominal MRI scan times. This technique maintains acceptable image quality and lesion visibility, offering a valuable alternative for children and young adults.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in pediatric abdominal MRI is challenged by motion artifacts due to long acquisition times.
- Developing faster DWI techniques is crucial for improving patient comfort and reducing motion-related image degradation in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare acquisition time and image quality between conventional DWI and multi-band (MB) DWI for liver imaging in pediatric and young adult patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MB-DWI in reducing scan duration while preserving diagnostic image quality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric and young adult MRI exams utilizing four DWI sequences: respiratory-triggered (RTr), free-breathing (FB), MB-DWI with shift factor 1 (MBsf1), and MB-DWI with shift factor 2 (MBsf2).
- Quantitative analysis of acquisition times, signal intensity, and apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR).
- Qualitative assessment of image quality, artifacts, and lesion visualization by six blinded pediatric radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale.
Main Results:
- MB-DWI sequences (MBsf1/MBsf2) demonstrated significantly reduced median acquisition times (43 seconds) compared to FB (84 seconds) and RTr (240 seconds).
- Conventional RTr and FB sequences yielded higher image quality and fewer artifacts compared to MB-DWI (p < 0.0001).
- Lesion visualization scores were comparable across all sequences (p = 0.11), with no radiologist preference in 47% of cases; Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values remained consistent.
Conclusions:
- Multi-band DWI substantially decreases acquisition time in pediatric abdominal MRI.
- MB-DWI offers a viable alternative for pediatric abdominal imaging, balancing reduced scan duration with acceptable image quality and diagnostic utility.
- This technique holds promise for improving the efficiency and patient experience in pediatric MRI.
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