The quest for high spatial resolution diffusion-weighted imaging of the human brain in vivo

Samantha J. Holdsworth, Rafael O'Halloran, Kawin Setsompop

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging, a contrast unique to MRI, is used for assessment of tissue microstructure in vivo. However, this exquisite sensitivity to finer scales far above imaging resolution comes at the cost of vulnerability to errors caused by sources of motion other than diffusion motion. Addressing the issue of motion has traditionally limited diffusion-weighted imaging to a few acquisition techniques and, as a consequence, to poorer spatial resolution than other MRI applications. Advances in MRI imaging methodology have allowed diffusion-weighted MRI to push to ever higher spatial resolution. In this review we focus on the pulse sequences and associated techniques under development that have pushed the limits of image quality and spatial resolution in diffusion-weighted MRI.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere4056
JournalNMR in Biomedicine
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
  • diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
  • echo planar imaging (EPI)
  • fast spin echo (FSE)
  • pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE)
  • simultaneous multislice (SMS)
  • steady-state free precession (SSFP)
  • stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM)

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