Assessment of Low-Field 0.55T MRI for parotid gland: A Comparison with 1.5T and 3T MRI

Motivation: Comparing the image quality, distortion, and stability of quantitative parameters of MRI in parotid gland images across 0.55T, 1.5T, and 3T. Goal(s): To compare the clinical performance of 0.55T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in parotid glands with 1.5T and 3T. Approach: Evaluating image quality, distortion in DWI, and the stability and differences of quantitative parameters derived from IVIM across different field strengths. Results: 0.55T MRI significantly reduces image distortion and maintains stable ADC values in DWI while providing comparable morphologic image quality to 1.5T. Additionally, the diffusion parameters in 0.55T showed significant differences compared to those of 1.5T and 3T. Impact: 0.55T MRI may offer a valuable alternative with the significant altered IVIM-DKI parameters for parotid gland imagings in patients with limited conditions, maintaining image quality and stable ADC values, potentially improving the diagnostic process for certain individuals.