Optimized 3D (b-M1-TE) Data Acquisition for Repeatable IVIM and R2 Quantification in the Liver

Motivation: The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) signal is known to depend on first-order motion moment (M1) and TE, which may contribute to observed poor precision of conventional (b-value only) IVIM quantification. Goal(s): Design an optimized 3D (b-M1-TE) IVIM acquisition for precise (repeatable) IVIM and R2 quantification in the liver. Approach: 3D (b-M1-TE) noise-optimized IVIM acquisitions were acquired using a test-retest approach. IVIM estimates were obtained using a recently proposed advanced fitting technique. Test-retest repeatability and interlobar agreement were evaluated. Results: The optimized 3D (b-M1-TE) IVIM acquisition demonstrated moderate to good repeatability and interlobar agreement of IVIM and R2 estimates (coefficients of variation < 32.0%). Impact: A noise-optimized 3D (b-M1-TE) IVIM acquisition is proposed for simultaneous and repeatable IVIM and R2 quantification in the liver. Accounting for M1 and TE dependencies in the IVIM signal may enable improved diagnostic performance and treatment monitoring of IVIM quantification.