Related Experiment Videos
[Diffusion-weighted MR tomography: navigated multi-shot SE-EPI technique for clinical use]
Purpose:
Evaluation of a navigated multi-shot SE EPI sequence for routine clinical use in MR diffusion imaging.
Methods:
We compared a multi-shot SE EPI sequence with the conventional SE sequence as well as with a single-shot SE EPI sequence on a standard 1.5 Tesla MR-scanner (ACS-NT, Philips Medical Systems) with a conventional gradient system (10 mT/m). Image quality and the reproducibility of the apparent diffusion coefficient were analysed with phantoms and with healthy volunteers. The diffusion coefficients of different brain areas were determined in a group of twenty volunteers.
Results:
The multi-shot SE EPI sequence showed considerably shorter measurement times and smaller motion artifacts than the SE sequence and was less sensitive to susceptibility artifacts than the single-shot version. The reproducibility of the diffusion coefficients was better than 10%.
Conclusion:
The navigated multi-shot SE technique is more practicable and meaningful than the SE and the single-shot SE EPI techniques on a standard 1.5 Tesla MR-scanner with a conventional gradient system. In our opinion it is now the best method for diffusion imaging and should be preferred in clinical use. The determination of diffusion coefficients yields reliable results and characteristic values for different tissue can be obtained.
Insights
A new navigated multi-shot spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SE EPI) sequence offers improved MR diffusion imaging. This technique provides shorter scan times and better image quality for routine clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)
Background:
- Conventional spin-echo (SE) and single-shot SE echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences have limitations in routine clinical MR diffusion imaging.
- Susceptibility artifacts and motion artifacts can affect image quality and reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a navigated multi-shot SE EPI sequence for routine clinical use in MR diffusion imaging.
- To compare its performance against conventional SE and single-shot SE EPI sequences.
Main Methods:
- A navigated multi-shot SE EPI sequence was compared with conventional SE and single-shot SE EPI sequences on a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner.
- Image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) reproducibility were assessed using phantoms and healthy volunteers.
- ADC values in different brain areas were determined in 20 volunteers.
Main Results:
- The multi-shot SE EPI sequence demonstrated significantly shorter measurement times and reduced motion artifacts compared to the SE sequence.
- It exhibited fewer susceptibility artifacts than the single-shot SE EPI sequence.
- The reproducibility of diffusion coefficients was found to be better than 10%.
Conclusions:
- The navigated multi-shot SE EPI technique is more practical and clinically meaningful than conventional SE and single-shot SE EPI methods on standard 1.5T scanners.
- This technique is recommended as the preferred method for diffusion imaging in clinical settings.
- It provides reliable determination of diffusion coefficients and characteristic tissue values.