Diffusion MR: Advantages of High-Performance Gradients
Junzhong Xu1
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States

Synopsis

To probe more comprehensive microstructural information in biological tissues, higher q values or shorter diffusion times are two strategies that are usually used. These in turn require stronger gradient strength and/or faster slew rate, which are provided by high-performance gradient systems. This education talk first covers the basics of diffusion MRI why high-performance gradients are essential for diffusion research, then provides example applications of how high-performance gradients extend the ability of diffusion MRI to probe microstructural information and last provides some technical consideration of high-performance gradients in practice.

Synopsis

To probe more comprehensive microstructural information in biological tissues, higher q values or shorter diffusion times are two strategies that are usually used. These in turn require stronger gradient strength and/or faster slew rate, which are provided by high-performance gradient systems. This education talk first covers the basics of diffusion MRI why high-performance gradients are essential for diffusion research, then provides example applications of how high-performance gradients extend the ability of diffusion MRI to probe microstructural information and last provides some technical consideration of high-performance gradients in practice.

Summary of Main Findings

High-performance gradient systems play an important role in diffusion MRI research to push the limits of higher q values and/or shorter diffusion times, both of which extend the detection ability of diffusion MRI in charactering biological tissues.

Takeaway Message

  • The performance of diffusion gradients determines the ability of diffusion MRI to characterize the microstructure
  • Gradient strength and slew rate are essential for higher q/b and shorter diffusion times
  • Gradient calibration is important for quantitative diffusion MRI measurements

Acknowledgements

No acknowledgement found.

References

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Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 29 (2021)