Echo time dependence of biexponential and triexponential intravoxel incoherent motion parameters in the liver

Abstract

Purpose: Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) studies are performed with different acquisition protocols. Comparing them requires knowledge of echo time (TE) dependencies. The TE-dependence of the biexponential perfusion fraction f is well-documented, unlike that of its triexponential counterparts f1 and f2 and the biexponential and triexponential pseudodiffusion coefficients D*, (Formula presented.), and (Formula presented.). The purpose was to investigate the TE-dependence of these parameters and to check whether the triexponential pseudodiffusion compartments are associated with arterial and venous blood. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers (19-58 y; mean: 24.7 y) underwent diffusion-weighted imaging of the abdomen with 24 b-values (0.2-800 s/mm2) at TEs of 45, 60, 75, and 90 ms. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn in the liver. One set of bi- and triexponential IVIM parameters per volunteer and TE was determined. The TE-dependence was assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: TE-dependence was observed for f (P