Improved visualization of lumbar nerve roots diffusion tensor imaging using iZoom-IRIS without fat-suppression pre-pulse

Motivation: DTI based on single-shot EPI is established method to evaluate lumbar nerve roots compression, but EPI-DTI has a high geometric distortion. Goal(s): To improve the image quality of the lumbar nerve roots, thereby improving the accuracy of tractography visualization and quantitative measurements. Approach: To reduce distortion, we developed a method to reduce the number of phase encodes per acquisition by combining iZoom 2D RF excitation, IRIS and LIPO (SSGR) only fat suppression. Results: Compared to the conventional EPI-DTI, LION iZoom IRIS-DTI improves the tractography image quality. LION iZoom IRIS-DTI was superior to the EPI-DTI, in accuracy of FA values measurement and ICC. Impact: LION iZoom IRIS-DTI is effective in reducing image distortion and might improve the accuracy and reproducibility of FA measurements of lumbar nerve roots.