Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging for diffusion-weighted imaging in the pelvis at 3T—a feasibility study

Thian, Y. L., Xie, W., Porter, D. A. and Weileng Ang, B. (2014) Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging for diffusion-weighted imaging in the pelvis at 3T—a feasibility study. Academic Radiology, 21(4), pp. 531-537. (doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2014.01.005) (PMID:24594423)

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the pelvis at 3T is prone to artifacts that diminish the image quality. Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (RS-EPI) is a new DWI technique that can reduce the artifacts associated with standard single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) DWI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and image quality of RS-EPI in pelvic DWI compared to SS-EPI on a 3T imaging system. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients underwent pelvic DWI on a 3T scanner with SS-EPI and RS-EPI techniques. Two blinded readers independently assessed each set of images for geometric distortion, image blurring, ghosting artifacts, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality on a 7-point scale. Qualitative image scores were compared using paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Interreader correlation was assessed by Spearman rank correlation. Results: Geometric distortion, imaging blurring, ghosting artifacts, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality were rated significantly better by both readers for RS-EPI technique (P < .01 for all parameters). There was moderate–high correlation between the readers (r = 0.649–0.752) for all parameters apart from lesion conspicuity (r = 0.351). Both readers preferred the RS-EPI set of DWI images in most of the cases (reader 1: 0.87, 95% CI 0.74–0.99; reader 2: 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.93). Mean difference and limits of agreement between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained from the two methods were 0.01 (−0.08, 0.10) × 10−3 mm2/s. Conclusions: RS-EPI DWI images showed improved image quality compared to SS-EPI technique at 3T. RS-EPI is a feasible technique in the pelvis for producing high-resolution DWI.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Porter, Professor David
• Authors: Thian, Y. L., Xie, W., Porter, D. A., and Weileng Ang, B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Academic Radiology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1076-6332
• ISSN (Online): 1878-4046
• Published Online: 01 March 2014