Modeling an equivalent b-value in diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession (DW-SSFP) is shown to provide a means to probe non-Gaussian diffusion through manipulation of the flip angle. A framework is presented to define an effective b-value in DW-SSFP.

Theory

The DW-SSFP signal is a summation of coherence pathways with different b-values. The relative contribution of each pathway is dictated by the flip angle. This leads to an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) estimate that depends on the flip angle in non-Gaussian diffusion regimes. By acquiring DW-SSFP data at multiple flip angles and modeling the variation in ADC for a given form of non-Gaussianity, the ADC can be estimated at a well-defined effective b-value.

Methods

A gamma distribution is used to model non-Gaussian diffusion, e

SUBMITTER: Tendler BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7216928 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature