High b-value diffusion imaging.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the development of high b-value technology has been the insight provided into the physiologic basis of diffusion imaging. The multiexponential features of the diffusion process are revealed on scans obtained with high b-value. The subsequent isotropic diffusion images have the distinct advantage of more accurately reflecting the intrinsic ADC of the tissues examined. This feature has the potential to facilitate clinical diagnosis. The degree to which this is proved to be clinically relevant is dependent on future investigation, but initial results are promising. The clinical potential of high b-value imaging at higher field strength remains to be explored. The greater signal to noise afforded by the use of 3-T scanners will likely make higher b-value imaging more practical with less costly scan time penalties necessary at lower field strengths.
DeLano
Mark C
MC
Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. mcd@rad.msu.edu
Cao
Yue
Y
D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D004058:Diffusion; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity