Evaluation of Regional Variability and Measurement Reproducibility of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted Imaging Using a Cardiac Stationary Phase Based ECG Trigger Method

Purpose. To evaluate the performance of an optimized ECG trigger diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequence in liver and its application in liver disease. Materials and Methods. Eighteen healthy volunteers underwent intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) scan of the liver twice in 1.5T MR scanner with signed informed consent approved by local ethic committees. A new method, called cardiac stationary phase based ECG trigger (CaspECG), and FB method were applied. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the IVIM parameters, including pure diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D⁎), and perfusion fraction, (PF) were calculated, and then 18 region of interests were drawn on these parameter maps independently by two readers through whole hepatic lobe. The regional variability and reproducibility between two repeated scans were evaluated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plot, respectively, and compared between the CaspECG and FB methods. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of DWI data was also evaluated. Result. Compared to the FB method, the proposed CaspECG method showed significant higher SNRs in DWI data, lower regional variability between left and right hepatic lobes, and higher reproducibility of ADC, PF, D, and D⁎ between repeat scans [left lobe, limit of agreement (LOA) of Bland-Altman plot: 10.1%, 18.3%, 19.8%, and 59.2%; right lobe, LOA: 10.25%, 14.15%, 16.45%, and 39.45%]. D⁎ showed the worst reproducibility in all parameters. Conclusion. The novel CaspECG method outperformed the FB method in compensating the cardiac motion induced artifacts in DWI data and generating more reliable quantitative parameters, with less regional variability and higher repeatability, especially in the left hepatic lobe.

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The role of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging in characterization of hypovascular liver lesions: A prospective comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion derived parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0247301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0247301

Author(s):

Jelena Djokić Kovač ◽

Marko Daković ◽

Aleksandra Janković ◽

Milica Mitrović ◽

Vladimir Dugalić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Liver Metastases ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Liver Lesions ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Apparent Diffusion

Background The utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) related parameters in differentiation of hypovascular liver lesions is still unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of IVIM related parameters in comparison to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for differentiation among intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMC), and hypovascular liver metastases (HLM). Methods Seventy-four prospectively enrolled patients (21 IMC, and 53 HLM) underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance examination with IVIM diffusion-weighted imaging using seven b values (0–800 s/mm2). Two independent readers performed quantitative analysis of IVIM-related parameters and ADC. Interobserver reliability was tested using a intraclass correlation coefficient. ADC, true diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (ƒ) were compared among the lesions using Kruskal-Wallis H test. The diagnostic accuracy of each parameter was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The interobserver agreement was good for ADC (0.802), and excellent for D, D*, and ƒ (0.911, 0.927, and 0.942, respectively). ADC, and D values were significantly different among IMC and HLM (both p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among these lesions for ƒ and D* (p = 0.101, and p = 0.612, respectively). ROC analysis showed higher diagnostic performance of D in comparison to ADC (AUC = 0.879 vs 0.821). Conclusion IVIM-derived parameters in particular D, in addition to ADC, could help in differentiation between most common hypovascular malignant liver lesions, intrahepatic mass—forming cholangiocarcinoma and hypovascular liver metastases.

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Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging assessment of microvascular characteristics in the murine embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma model

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/0284185119855731 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 260-266

Author(s):

Yuan Yuan ◽

Dewei Zeng ◽

Yu Zhang ◽

Juan Tao ◽

Yajie Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Microvessel Density ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Microvascular Blood Flow ◽

Vegf Expression ◽

Perfusion Fraction ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

D Value

Background Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can distinguish the false diffusion generated by microvascular blood flow from the true water molecule diffusion. Purpose To investigate the correlation between IVIM-DWI parameters and angiogenic markers such as the microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the murine embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma model. Material and Methods The murine embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma model was produced by subcutaneously injecting 107 human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells into the right back of nude mice. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), true diffusion coefficient (D), and perfusion fraction (f) were obtained from 22 mice models using IVIM-DWI with b-values of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 s/mm2. The microvessel density and VEGF expression were obtained by histologic examination. We then compared the correlation between IVIM-DWI parameters and microvessel density and VEGF expression. Results The average ADC, D*, D, and f values were 1.05 ± 0.27 × 10−3 mm2/s, 6.19 ± 1.78 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.69 ± 0.09 ×10−3 mm2/s, and 17.68 ± 8.41 (%), respectively. There was moderate positive correlation between D* value and microvessel density and VEGF expression (r = 0.484, P = 0.023; r = 0.511, P = 0.015). However, there was no significant correlation between ADC, D, and f values and microvessel density and VEGF expression. Conclusion The D* value from IVIM-DWI may be used to evaluate tumor angiogenesis in the murine embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma model.

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Evaluating the Histopathology of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Intravoxel Incoherent Motion-Diffusion Weighted Imaging Comparing With Diffusion-Weighted Imaging

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.670085 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Qi Liu ◽

Jinggang Zhang ◽

Man Jiang ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

Tongbing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Tumor Cell ◽

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Cell Density ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Adc Values ◽

D Values

ObjectivesTo explore the differences between intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the histopathological characters of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 50 patients with PDAC confirmed by pathology from December 2018 to May 2020. All patients underwent DWI and IVIM-DWI before surgeries. Patients were classified into low- and high-fibrosis groups. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), false diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were measured by two radiologists, respectively in GE AW 4.7 post-processing station, wherein ADC values were derived by mono-exponential fits and f, D, D* values were derived by biexponential fits. The tumor tissue was stained with Sirius red, CD34, and CK19 to evaluate fibrosis, microvascular density (MVD), and tumor cell density. Furthermore, the correlation between ADC, D, D*, and f values and histopathological results was analyzed.ResultsThe D values were lower in the high-fibrosis group than in the low-fibrosis group, while the f values were opposite. Further, no statistically significant differences were detected in ADC and D* values between the high- and low-fibrosis groups. The AUC of D and f values had higher evaluation efficacy in the high- and low-fibrosis groups than ADC values. A significant negative correlation was established between D values, and fibrosis and a significant positive correlation were observed between f values and fibrosis. No statistical difference was detected between DWI/IVIM parameters values and MVD or tumor cell density except for the positive correlation between D* values and tumor cell density.ConclusionsD and f values derived from the IVIM model had higher sensitivity and diagnostic performance for grading fibrosis in PDAC compared to the conventional DWI model. IVIM-DWI may have the potential as an imaging biomarker for predicting the fibrosis grade of PDAC.

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Prediction of Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Based on 3.0T MRI Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted-Imaging with Fe3O4 Nanocontrast Agent

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Letters ◽

10.1166/nnl.2019.3068 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1676-1684

Author(s):

Hongbo Hu ◽

Huijie Jiang

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽

Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽

Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

D Values

The purpose of this study was to preliminarily explore the feasibility of pre-treatment intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Fifty-four patients underwent preoperative IVIM-DWI before (pre-nCRT) and after nCRT (post-nCRT). The values of pre-nCRT and post-nCRT IVIM-DWI parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient standard (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f), together with the percentage changes (Δ% parametric value) induced by nCRT, were compared between pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR groups. After nCRT, the ADC and Dvalues for LARC increased significantly (all P <0.05). The TRG score revealed positive correlations with pre f (r = 0.357, P = 0.020), postD (r =0.551,P <0.001), and Δ%D (r =0.605, P <0.001). The pCR group (n =10) had higher preD *, pref, postD, Δ%ADC, and Δ%D values than the non-pCR group (n =32) (allP <0.05). The GR group (n =15) exhibited higher postD, %ADC, and %D values than the PR group (n =27) (allP <0.05). Based on ROC analysis, Δ%D had a higher area under the curve value than Δ%ADC (P =0.009) in discriminating the pCR and non-pCR groups. IVIM-DWI may be helpful in identifying pCR to nCRT for LARC and is more accurate than traditional DWI.

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Renal Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Healthy Dogs: Reproducibility, Test-Retest Repeatability, and Selection of the Optimal b-value Combination

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.641971 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Sang-Kwon Lee ◽

Juryeoung Lee ◽

Seolyn Jang ◽

Eunji Lee ◽

Chang-Yeop Jeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

B Value ◽

Adc Value ◽

B Values ◽

Intraobserver Reproducibility ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Pure Diffusion ◽

Healthy Dogs

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging can evaluate alterations in the microstructure of the kidney. The purpose of this study was to assess the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the intravoxel incoherent motion model (IVIM) parameters of a normal kidney in healthy dogs, to evaluate the effect of b-value combinations on the ADC value, and the reproducibility and test-retest repeatability in monoexponential and IVIM analysis. In this experimental study, the ADC, pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (fp) were measured from both kidneys in nine healthy beagles using nine b-values (b = 0, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200, 500, 800, and 1,000 s/mm2) twice with a 1-week interval between measurements. Interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility, and test-retest repeatability of the measurements were calculated. ADC values were measured using 10 different b-value combinations consisting of three b-values each, and were compared to the ADC obtained from nine b-values. All the ADC, D, D*, and fp values measured from the renal cortex, medulla, and the entire kidney had excellent interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility, and test-retest repeatability. The ADC obtained from a b-value combination of 0, 100, and 800 s/mm2 had the highest intraclass correlation coefficient with the ADC from nine b-values. The results of this study indicated that DWI MRI using multiple b-values is feasible for the measurement of ADC and IVIM parameters with high reproducibility and repeatability in the kidneys of healthy dogs. A combination of b = 0, 100, and 800 s/mm2 can be used for ADC measurements when multiple b-values are not available in dogs.

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Analysis of Renal Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) Using Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) Models

Methods in Molecular Biology - Preclinical MRI of the Kidney ◽

10.1007/978-1-0716-0978-1_37 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 611-635

Author(s):

Neil Peter Jerome ◽

João S. Periquito

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Tissue Properties ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Apparent Diffusion ◽

Renal Diffusion ◽

Renal Mri

AbstractAnalysis of renal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data to derive markers of tissue properties requires careful consideration of the type, extent, and limitations of the acquired data. Alongside data quality and general suitability for quantitative analysis, choice of diffusion model, fitting algorithm, and processing steps can have consequences for the precision, accuracy, and reliability of derived diffusion parameters. Here we introduce and discuss important steps for diffusion-weighted image processing, and in particular give example analysis protocols and pseudo-code for analysis using the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) models. Following an overview of general principles, we provide details of optional steps, and steps for validation of results. Illustrative examples are provided, together with extensive notes discussing wider context of individual steps, and notes on potential pitfalls.This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concepts and experimental procedure.

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Short-Term Measurement Repeatability of a Simplified Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) Analysis for Routine Clinical Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Malignant Liver Lesions and Liver Parenchyma at 1.5 T

RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren ◽

10.1055/a-0649-1205 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 191 (03) ◽

pp. 199-208

Author(s):

Claus Pieper ◽

Alois Sprinkart ◽

Guido Kukuk ◽

Petra Mürtz

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Liver Parenchyma ◽

Left Lobe ◽

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽

Left Liver Lobe ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Good For ◽

The Right ◽

Measurement Repeatability

Objectives To evaluate measurement repeatability of parameters derived from simplified intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using 3 b-values. Materials and Methods 24 patients (16 male, 8 female, mean age: 67 years) with hepatic malignancy (HCC: 10, metastases: 14) underwent 29 liver MRI examinations at 1.5 T. Respiratory-triggered DWI (b = 0, 50, 800 s/mm2) was acquired twice. Parameter maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient ADC(0,800), estimated diffusion coefficient D' and perfusion fraction f' were calculated. Measurement repeatability for a region of interest (ROI) placed in one lesion and liver parenchyma per lobe was assessed by intra-session variation coefficients (CV). Results 86 ROIs (43 lesions, 43 parenchymas) were analyzed. Parameters did not significantly differ between measurements. Repeatability was excellent for ADC(0,800) and D' and good for f' in parenchyma (CVs: 7.3 %, 9.8 %, 13.0 %) and lesions (CVs: 7.5 %, 8.5 %, 11.0 %). Differences in CV-values between liver and lesions were not significant. Repeatability was better for the right than for the left lobe by tendency, for parenchyma (CVs: 6.4 % vs 8.4 %, 8.8 % vs 10.9 %, 10.5 % vs 16.0 %) and for lesions (CVs: 6.9 % vs 8.1 %, 7.5 % vs 9.5 %, 9.5 % vs 12.7 %). Conclusion Measurement repeatability is excellent for ADC(0,800) and D' values and good for f' values using the simplified IVIM approach, both in lesions and liver parenchyma. Repeatability was better for lesions in the right compared to the left liver lobe. Key points: Citation Format

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Classification of paediatric brain tumours by diffusion weighted imaging and machine learning

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82214-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jan Novak ◽

Niloufar Zarinabad ◽

Heather Rose ◽

Theodoros Arvanitis ◽

Lesley MacPherson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient ◽

Posterior Fossa ◽

Brain Tumours ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Regions Of Interest ◽

Apparent Diffusion Coefficients ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Apparent Diffusion ◽

Paediatric Brain Tumours

AbstractTo determine if apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) can discriminate between posterior fossa brain tumours on a multicentre basis. A total of 124 paediatric patients with posterior fossa tumours (including 55 Medulloblastomas, 36 Pilocytic Astrocytomas and 26 Ependymomas) were scanned using diffusion weighted imaging across 12 different hospitals using a total of 18 different scanners. Apparent diffusion coefficient maps were produced and histogram data was extracted from tumour regions of interest. Total histograms and histogram metrics (mean, variance, skew, kurtosis and 10th, 20th and 50th quantiles) were used as data input for classifiers with accuracy determined by tenfold cross validation. Mean ADC values from the tumour regions of interest differed between tumour types, (ANOVA P < 0.001). A cut off value for mean ADC between Ependymomas and Medulloblastomas was found to be of 0.984 × 10−3 mm2 s−1 with sensitivity 80.8% and specificity 80.0%. Overall classification for the ADC histogram metrics were 85% using Naïve Bayes and 84% for Random Forest classifiers. The most commonly occurring posterior fossa paediatric brain tumours can be classified using Apparent Diffusion Coefficient histogram values to a high accuracy on a multicentre basis.

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