Localized diffusion pore imaging (DPI) of different pore sizes

Motivation: MRI diffusion pore imaging (DPI) is a potentially powerful tool for non-invasive pathological examinations. Average pore sizes and shapes can be reconstructed using modified diffusion measurements. Goal(s): As pore imaging relies on averaging over pores in regions of interest to go beyond the resolution of classical MR imaging, in-vivo applications require the combination of DPI with conventional MR imaging to estimate the pore sizes in those regions. Approach: A conventional spin-echo imaging sequence was combined with a pore imaging sequence to measure a phantom containing capillaries. Results: We successfully reconstructed different pore sizes at different locations from a single DPI measurement. Impact: Localized diffusion pore imaging allows reconstructing several pore sizes in different regions from a single sample. This was achieved using a diffusion pore imaging sequence with imaging readout and a phantom containing capillaries of two different sizes.