Comparison of Stiffness Measurement Variability in MRE Phantoms using Different Passive Drivers

Motivation: Quantitative quality assurance (QA) methods for magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) are needed for clinical care but are currently unavailable. Goal(s): Evaluate stiffness measurement variability from two phantoms of different stiffness using four types of passive drivers: two commercial drivers, a custom stand-style driver, and a novel driver integrated into the phantom housing. Approach: Stiffness measurements were quantified in ten acquisitions in two phantoms of differing stiffness by four passive drivers. Measurement variability was compared by standard deviations and Whisker-and-Box plots. Results: The integrated driver achieved the best performance with the highest repeatability, ie: lowest variability, compared to the other drivers. Impact: An MRE phantom equipped with an integrated passive driver could improve repeatability in MRE quality assurance, potentially enhancing the reliability of QA processes in both clinical trials and patient care.