Unprecedented SNR Efficiency in Prostate DWI By Combining Ultra-Strong Gradients and Spiral Readouts

Motivation: Prostate DWI with high b-values holds promise for microstructural tissue characterization but is notoriously SNR-deprived. Goal(s): (i) To boost the SNR of prostate DWI; (ii) to reduce artefacts resulting from scanner imperfections that are exacerbated by the methods used to increase the SNR. Approach: Spirals and strong gradients (≤300mT/m) are used to attain short TEs and thus high SNR. An expanded encoding model including measured static and dynamic fields is deployed to obtain high image quality. Results: The approach is demonstrated in a healthy subject and a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer. It delivers higher SNR and improved cancerous lesion conspicuity. Impact: We provide the demonstration of prostate DWI with ultra-strong gradients and spiral readouts. Using high b-values and short echo times enhances lesion conspicuity and holds potential for early and non-invasive disease detection.