Motion-compensated Diffusion MRI of Liver Using High-performance Gradients

Motivation: Motion-compensated diffusion gradient can reduce motion-induced signal dropout in liver DWI. However, it suffers from prolonged TE. Goal(s): To improve SNR of motion-compensated liver DWI using high-performance gradients. Approach: Optimized Diffusion‐Weighting Gradient Waveform Design (ODGD) was used to design M1-optimized gradient waveforms in normal-performance (Gmax=80mT/m) and high-performance (Gmax=200mT/m) gradient configurations. Liver DWI with designed waveforms was performed on human liver to measure Gaussian (bmax=800s/mm2) and non-Gaussian (bmax=1500s/mm2) diffusion. Results: The advantage of shortened TE using high-performance gradients increased with target b-values. The high-performance gradients improved image SNR by 30.4% when measuring Gaussian diffusion, and 45.3% when measuring non-Gaussian diffusion. Impact: Our study explored the potential of high-performance gradients in motion-compensated liver DWI. The improved SNR in measuring Gaussian/non-Gaussian diffusion provided more accurate evaluation of liver microstructure.