Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging of Kidneys Using Targeted-SPLICE

Ning Jin¹, Jie Deng², Andrew C. Larson^1,3

Diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging is particularly useful for functional interrogation of the kidney. Single-shot DW spin-echo echo-planner imaging (DW-SE-EPI) is commonly used for DW acquisition; however, this technique can experience image distortion and chemical shift artifacts. We recently developed targeted-SPLICE technique by combining the inner volume imaging technique with SPLICE for DWI without image distortion and blurring. The purpose of our study is to apply targeted-SPLICE technique for DWI in the kidneys and compare these targeted-SPLICE diffusion measurements to conventional DW-SE-EPI measurements. Targeted-SPLICE effectively reduced geometric distortion and image blurring and produced accurate diffusion parameter measurements in the kidney.