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European Radiology

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01-10-2010 | Magnetic Resonance

Optimising diffusion-weighted imaging in the abdomen and pelvis: comparison of image quality between monopolar and bipolar single-shot spin-echo echo-planar sequences

Authors: Stavroula Kyriazi, Matthew Blackledge, David J. Collins, Nandita M. deSouza

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2010

Abstract

Objective

To compare geometric distortion, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), efficacy of fat suppression and presence of artefact between monopolar (Stejskal and Tanner) and bipolar (twice-refocused, eddy-current-compensating) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences in the abdomen and pelvis.

Materials and methods

A semiquantitative distortion index (DI) was derived from the subtraction images with b = 0 and 1,000 s/mm² in a phantom and compared between the two sequences. Seven subjects were imaged with both sequences using four b values (0, 600, 900 and 1,050 s/mm²) and SNR, ADC for different organs and fat-to-muscle signal ratio (FMR) were compared. Image quality was evaluated by two radiologists on a 5-point scale.

Results

DI was improved in the bipolar sequence, indicating less geometric distortion. SNR was significantly lower for all tissues and b values in the bipolar images compared with the monopolar (p < 0.05), whereas FMR was not statistically different. ADC in liver, kidney and sacrum was higher in the bipolar scheme compared to the monopolar (p < 0.03), whereas in muscle it was lower (p = 0.018). Image quality scores were higher for the bipolar sequence (p ≤ 0.025).

Conclusion

Artefact reduction makes the bipolar DWI sequence preferable in abdominopelvic applications, although the trade-off in SNR may compromise ADC measurements in muscle.

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Title: Optimising diffusion-weighted imaging in the abdomen and pelvis: comparison of image quality between monopolar and bipolar single-shot spin-echo echo-planar sequences
Authors: Stavroula Kyriazi
Matthew Blackledge
David J. Collins
Nandita M. deSouza
Publication date: 01-10-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2010
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1826-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Optimising diffusion-weighted imaging in the abdomen and pelvis: comparison of image quality between monopolar and bipolar single-shot spin-echo echo-planar sequences

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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