title: Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Kidneys: Influence of b-Value and Number of Encoding Directions on Image Quality and Diffusion Tensor Parameters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate to which degree investment of acquisition time in more encoding directions leads to better image quality (IQ) and what influence the number of encoding directions and the choice of b-values have on renal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight healthy volunteers (32.3 y ± 5.1 y) consented to an examination in a 1.5T whole-body MR scanner. Coronal DTI data sets of the kidneys were acquired with systematic variation of b-values (50, 150, 300, 500, and 700 s/mm(2)) and number of diffusion-encoding directions (6, 15, and 32) using a respiratory-triggered echo-planar sequence (TR/TE 1500 ms/67 ms, matrix size 128 × 128). Additionally, two data sets with more than two b-values were acquired (0, 150, and 300 s/mm(2) and all six b-values). Parametrical maps were calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Image quality was determined with a reader score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Best IQ was visually assessed for images acquired with 15 and 32 encoding directions, whereas images acquired with six directions had significantly lower IQ ratings. Image quality, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity only varied insignificantly for b-values between 300 and 500 s/mm(2). In the renal medulla fractional anisotropy (FA) values between 0.43 and 0.46 and mean diffusivity (MD) values between 1.8-2.1 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s were observed. In the renal cortex, the corresponding ranges were 0.24-0.25 (FA) and 2.2-2.8 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s (MD). Including b-values below 300 s/mm(2), notably higher MD values were observed, while FA remained constant. Susceptibility artifacts were more prominent in FA maps than in MD maps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In DTI of the kidneys at 1.5T, the best compromise between acquisition time and resulting image quality seems the application of 15 encoding directions with b-values between 300 and 500 s/mm(2). Including lower b-values allows for assessment of fast diffusing spin components.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Natalie C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Chuck
authors.affiliation: Section of Experimental Radiology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Günther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Steidle
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Blume
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nanz
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boss
keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging; diffusion weighted imaging; kidneys