A Non-Linear Gradient Insert for Prostate Diffusion Imaging

Motivation: A sensitive imaging method that distinguishes benign or low-grade prostate lesions from aggressive ones is one of the greatest needs in prostate cancer. Goal(s): To develop new prostate DWI technique using a non-linear gradient (NLG) to improve the diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer. Approach: Using an NLG coil, we can circumvent the challenge of high b-value requirements by having a gradient with a high amplitude within a limited field of view, which applies to prostate imaging. Results: We demonstrate feasibility of using an NLG for prostate imaging, after validation with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) phantom and testing SE and EPI sequences with prostate ADC-mapping. Impact: To better diagnose prostate cancer with high sensitivity, we use an NLG insert coil. Using only one DWI and one non-diffusion image we showed comparable ADC maps to those produced using gold standard multi-shell linear gradient sequences.