Authors:	Grauhan, Nils F. Grünebach, Natascha Brockstedt, Lavinia Sanner, Antoine Feiweier, Thorsten Schöffling, Vanessa Brockmann, Marc A. Othman, Ahmed E.
Title:	Reduction of distortion artifacts in brain MRI using a field map-based correction technique in diffusion-weighted imaging : a prospective study
Online publication date:	16-Jan-2024
Year of first publication:	2023
Language:	english
Abstract:	Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality and feasibility of a field map-based technique to correct for susceptibility-induced geometric distortions which are typical for diffusion EPI brain imaging. Methods We prospectively included 52 patients during clinical routine in this single-center study. All scans were performed on a 3T MRI. Patients’ indications for MRI mainly consisted of suspected stroke due to the clinical presentation. For the morphological comparison of the corrected and uncorrected EPI diffusion, three experienced radiologists assessed the image quality of the sequences in a blinded and randomized fashion using a Likert scale (1 being poor; 5 being excellent). To ensure comparability of the two methods, an additional quantitative analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was performed. Results Corrected EPI diffusion was rated significantly superior in all the selected categories: overall level of artifacts (p < 0.001), degree of distortion at the frontal, temporal, occipital and brainstem levels (p < 0.001), conspicuousness of ischemic lesions (p < 0.001), image quality (p < 0.001), naturality (p < 0.001), contrast (p < 0.001), and diagnostic confidence (p < 0.001). Conclusion Corrected EPI diffusion offers a significant reduction of geometric distortion in all evaluated brain regions and an improved conspicuousness of ischemic lesions. Image quality, overall artifacts, naturality, contrast and diagnostic confidence were also rated superior in comparison to uncorrected EPI diffusion.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-9833
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Clinical neuroradiology Version of Record (VoR)
Publisher:	Urban & Vogel,
Publisher place:	München
Issue date:	2023
ISSN:	1869-1447
Publisher DOI:	10.1007/s00062-023-01338-3
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-H