Apparent diffusion coefficient is highly reproducible on preclinical imaging systems: Evidence from a seven-center multivendor study.
- Abstract:
- PURPOSE: To evaluate between-site agreement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A miniaturized thermally stable ice-water phantom was devised. ADC (mean and interquartile range) was measured over several days, on 4.7T, 7T, and 9.4T Bruker, Agilent, and Magnex small-animal MRI systems using a common protocol across seven sites. Day-to-day repeatability was expressed as percent variation of mean ADC between acquisitions. Cross-site reproducibility was expressed as 1.96 × standard deviation of percent deviation of ADC values. RESULTS: ADC measurements were equivalent across all seven sites with a cross-site ADC reproducibility of 6.3%. Mean day-to-day repeatability of ADC measurements was 2.3%, and no site was identified as presenting different measurements than others (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P = 0.02, post-hoc test n.s.). Between-slice ADC variability was negligible and similar between sites (P = 0.15). Mean within-region-of-interest ADC variability was 5.5%, with one site presenting a significantly greater variation than the others (P = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: Absolute ADC values in preclinical studies are comparable between sites and equipment, provided standardized protocols are employed.
- Authors:
- S Doblas, GS Almeida, F-X Blé, P Garteiser, BA Hoff, DJO McIntyre, L Wachsmuth, TL Chenevert, C Faber, JR Griffiths, AH Jacobs, DM Morris, JPB O'Connor, SP Robinson, BE Van Beers, JC Waterton
- Journal:
- J Magn Reson Imaging
- Citation info:
- 42(6):1759-1764
- Publication date:
- 1st Dec 2015
- Full text
- DOI