Evaluation of multiplexed sensitivity encoding diffusion-weighted imaging in detecting uterine lesions: Image quality optimization

Fuxiang Zha; Cui Feng; Jin Xu; Qian Zou; Jiali Li; Daoyu Hu; Weiyin Vivian Liu; Zhen Li; Sisi Wu

doi:10.1016/j.mri.2024.03.003

Evaluation of multiplexed sensitivity encoding diffusion-weighted imaging in detecting uterine lesions: Image quality optimization

Magn Reson Imaging. 2024 Jul:110:17-22. doi: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.03.003. Epub 2024 Mar 5.

Authors

Fuxiang Zha¹, Cui Feng¹, Jin Xu¹, Qian Zou¹, Jiali Li¹, Daoyu Hu¹, Weiyin Vivian Liu², Zhen Li¹, Sisi Wu³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
² MR Research, GE Healthcare, Beijing, China.
³ Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China. Electronic address: wss0331@126.com.

PMID: 38452829
DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.03.003

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the image quality of multiplexed sensitivity-encoding diffusion-weighted imaging (MUSE-DWI) and single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI-DWI) techniques in uterine MRI.

Methods: Eighty-eight eligible patients underwent MUSE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI examinations simultaneously using a 3.0 T MRI system. Two radiologists independently performed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the two groups of images using a double-blind method. The weighted Kappa test was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement. Wilcoxon's rank sum test was used for qualitative parameters, and paired t-test was used for quantitative parameters. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to obtained correlation between pathological results and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value.

Results: The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the images by the two radiologists were in good or excellent agreement, with weighted kappa value ranging from 0.636 to 0.981. The scores of total subjective image quality (15.4 ± 0.99) and signal-to-noise ratio (158.99 ± 60.71) of MUSE-DWI were significantly higher than those of SS-EPI-DWI (12.93 ± 1.62 P < 0.001; 130.23 ± 48.29 P < 0.05). It effectively reduced image distortion and artifact, and had better lesion conspicuity. There was no significant difference in contrast-to-noise ratio score and average ADC values between the two DWI sequences. The average ADC values of the two DWI sequences were highest in the normal uterus group and lowest in the endometrial cancer group, with statistically significant differences among groups (P < 0.01). In addition, the average ADC values of the two DWI sequences were negatively correlated with the type of lesions, decreasing with the malignancy of the lesions (r = -0.805 P < 0.01, r = -0.815 P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Compared to SS-EPI-DWI, MUSE-DWI can significantly reduce distortion, artifacts, and fuzziness in MRI of uterine lesions, which is more conducive to lesion detection.

Keywords: Diffusion weighted imaging; Endometrial cancer; Magnetic resonance imaging; Multiplexed sensitivity-encoding; Uterine lesions.

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
Double-Blind Method
Echo-Planar Imaging* / methods
Female
Humans
Image Enhancement / methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
Middle Aged
Observer Variation
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
Signal-To-Noise Ratio*
Uterine Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
Uterus* / diagnostic imaging
Uterus* / pathology