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Motion-compensated diffusion encoding gradients for segmented thick-slab 3D magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted
Jens Johansson1,2, Kerstin Lagerstrand2,3, Hanna Hebelka1,4
1Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Medical Physics
|March 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new 3D brain diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) technique using moment-nulled gradients to reduce motion artifacts. The method shows promise for improved image quality in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)
- Medical Imaging Technology
Background:
- Routine clinical diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) typically uses 2D echo planar sequences.
- A 3D DWI approach offers potential for higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and improved slice resolution.
- Motion-induced phase errors in multi-shot 3D sequences have hindered clinical adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D brain DWI sequence that minimizes phase variations at the source.
- To achieve phase correction without relying on navigator echoes.
- To enable robust 3D diffusion imaging by incorporating moment-nulled diffusion encoding gradients.
Main Methods:
- Modified a standard 2D echo planar imaging sequence to include first and second-order moment-nulled diffusion encoding gradients.
- Implemented a second phase encoding gradient for multi-shot spatial encoding along the slice-select direction.
- Evaluated the single thick-slab 3D DWI sequence in healthy volunteers using a 3 Tesla MRI scanner.
Main Results:
- First and second-order moment nulling substantially reduced motion-related ghosting artifacts.
- The 3D sequence achieved an SNR ratio (SNR3D/SNR2D) of 0.99 for a 92-slice scan.
- Despite a longer echo time (119 ms vs. 82 ms), the moment-nulled 3D acquisition demonstrated improved artifact reduction compared to conventional 2D DWI.
Conclusions:
- First and second-order moment nulling represent a viable strategy for enabling 3D diffusion imaging.
- Higher slice counts are expected to yield superior SNR for 3D compared to 2D DWI.
- Further research is needed to reduce echo time and correct residual phase variations for clinical translation.
