TY - JOUR
T1 - Stability of ADC measurements in diffusion MRI
T2 - A multicenter phantom study using multi-point b-values
AU - Alshuhri, M. S.
AU - Alhulail, A. A.
AU - Alqahtani, A. G.M.
AU - Madkhali, Y.
AU - Aljuhani, M.
AU - Alghuraybi, R. A.
AU - Alqahtani, S.
AU - Alomair, O. I.
AU - Alqahtani, M.
AU - Qaisi, A. H.
AU - Almalki, M. S.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The College of Radiographers
PY - 2025/1
Y1 - 2025/1
N2 - Introduction: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion MRI provides critical insights into tissue microstructure and is influenced by various b-values. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of multiple b-values on ADC measurements using a multicenter observational approach with different MRI scanners and phantoms. Methods: The study utilized a liquid isotropic phantom across eight different 1.5 T MRI scanners from five centers. The phantom contained four fluids with different viscosity and relaxation properties. ADC measurements were obtained at b-values of 0, 50, 500, 1000, and 1500 s/mm2 using standardized protocols, which involved applying consistent imaging parameters across all MRI scanners. Each scan was repeated three times, and statistical analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann–Whitney U tests, were performed to evaluate variability. Results: Significant variations in ADC values were observed among different MRI scanners. Higher b-values generally resulted in lower ADC readings, reflecting restricted diffusion. The comparison between 2-point and multiple-point b-value techniques revealed that the latter provides more consistent ADC measurements. Bland–Altman analysis indicated a systematic difference between single-shot echo-planar imaging (ssEPI) and turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences, with TSE showing more homogeneous ADC values. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant variability in ADC measurements across different MRI scanners and sequences, emphasizing the critical role of standardization in diffusion MRI protocols. The findings demonstrate that multiple-point b-value techniques offer greater consistency compared to 2-point methods, and TSE sequences yield more homogeneous ADC values than ssEPI. Implication: These findings underscore the need for standardized protocols and multicenter guidelines to enhance the reliability of ADC as a diagnostic biomarker in clinical and research settings.
AB - Introduction: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion MRI provides critical insights into tissue microstructure and is influenced by various b-values. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of multiple b-values on ADC measurements using a multicenter observational approach with different MRI scanners and phantoms. Methods: The study utilized a liquid isotropic phantom across eight different 1.5 T MRI scanners from five centers. The phantom contained four fluids with different viscosity and relaxation properties. ADC measurements were obtained at b-values of 0, 50, 500, 1000, and 1500 s/mm2 using standardized protocols, which involved applying consistent imaging parameters across all MRI scanners. Each scan was repeated three times, and statistical analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann–Whitney U tests, were performed to evaluate variability. Results: Significant variations in ADC values were observed among different MRI scanners. Higher b-values generally resulted in lower ADC readings, reflecting restricted diffusion. The comparison between 2-point and multiple-point b-value techniques revealed that the latter provides more consistent ADC measurements. Bland–Altman analysis indicated a systematic difference between single-shot echo-planar imaging (ssEPI) and turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences, with TSE showing more homogeneous ADC values. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant variability in ADC measurements across different MRI scanners and sequences, emphasizing the critical role of standardization in diffusion MRI protocols. The findings demonstrate that multiple-point b-value techniques offer greater consistency compared to 2-point methods, and TSE sequences yield more homogeneous ADC values than ssEPI. Implication: These findings underscore the need for standardized protocols and multicenter guidelines to enhance the reliability of ADC as a diagnostic biomarker in clinical and research settings.
KW - Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
KW - Diffusion weighted image (DWI)
KW - Single-shot echo-planar imaging (ssEPI)
KW - Turbo spin echo (TSE)
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85210380309
U2 - 10.1016/j.radi.2024.11.009
DO - 10.1016/j.radi.2024.11.009
M3 - Article
C2 - 39615089
AN - SCOPUS:85210380309
SN - 1078-8174
VL - 31
SP - 212
EP - 219
JO - Radiography
JF - Radiography
IS - 1
ER -