Yuan Wang1, Xiao-Peng Zhang2, Yan-Ling Li1, Xiao-Ting Li1, Yan Hu1, Yong Cui1, Ying-Shi Sun1, Xiao-Yan Zhang1. 1. Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China. 2. Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zxp@bjcancer.org.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Diffusion tensor MRI has emerged as a promising tool for the analysis of the microscopic properties of tissues. Optimizing image acquisition parameters is essential for producing high-quality DTI. This study aimed to optimize the parameters for DTI data acquisition for breast fiber tractography at 1.5 T. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 healthy volunteers received breast DTI scanning using an ASSET-based EPI technique operated under different parameters including b value, the number of diffusion gradient directions, and spatial resolution. The images were analyzed for signal-to-noise, signal intensity ratio, mean number and length of reconstructive fiber tracts, and fractional anisotropy value. RESULTS: The optimal acquisition parameters at 1.5 T for breast DT-MRI fiber tractography were determined as follows: axial 31 direction, b = 600 seconds per mm(2), matrix 128 × 128 with slice thickness of 3 mm. CONCLUSION: The optimization of data acquisition parameters could improve the quality of breast DT-MRI images and assist fiber tractography at 1.5 T.
INTRODUCTION: Diffusion tensor MRI has emerged as a promising tool for the analysis of the microscopic properties of tissues. Optimizing image acquisition parameters is essential for producing high-quality DTI. This study aimed to optimize the parameters for DTI data acquisition for breast fiber tractography at 1.5 T. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 healthy volunteers received breast DTI scanning using an ASSET-based EPI technique operated under different parameters including b value, the number of diffusion gradient directions, and spatial resolution. The images were analyzed for signal-to-noise, signal intensity ratio, mean number and length of reconstructive fiber tracts, and fractional anisotropy value. RESULTS: The optimal acquisition parameters at 1.5 T for breast DT-MRI fiber tractography were determined as follows: axial 31 direction, b = 600 seconds per mm(2), matrix 128 × 128 with slice thickness of 3 mm. CONCLUSION: The optimization of data acquisition parameters could improve the quality of breast DT-MRI images and assist fiber tractography at 1.5 T.