Multi-site Harmonization of Diffusion Tensor Image for Nerves of the Upper Extremity

Motivation: Our multi-site study requires us to harmonize MRI protocols across vendors so that data acquired from different sites can be analyzed together. Goal(s): To evaluate the performance of a set of MRI protocols across vendors as guideline for our multi-site study of peripheral nerve damage. Approach: Eight healthy travel subjects underwent MRI imaging at three different 3T MRI scanners (Philips, GE, and Siemens) for anatomic and diffusion imaging. The data was compared across scanners to evaluate reproducibility. Results: Data are comparable from the protocols on the three vendors, which established the foundation for our multi-site peripheral nerve trauma study. Impact: The study established an imaging benchmark for patients with peripheral nerve damage following trauma, potentially enabling cross-site and cross-vendor data comparisons.