Development of anisotropic phantoms using wood and fiber materials for diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging

Abstract

ObjectiveSeveral studies have demonstrated that anisotropic phantoms can be utilized for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of our study was to examine whether wood is suitable as an anisotropic phantom material from the viewpoints of affordability and availability. In the current study, wood was used for restricted diffusion, and fibers were used for hindered diffusion.Materials and methodsWood and fiber phantoms were made. Diffusion kurtosis images were acquired with three magnetic resonance scanners. Fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial kurtosis and axial kurtosis values were measured. The wood phantom was imaged, and its durability was confirmed. The phantoms were imaged in varying orientations within the magnetic field. The wood was observed using an optical microscope.ResultsTen kinds of wood and the fiber had a diffusion metrics. The wood diffusion metrics suggested low variation over a period of 9 months. Changing the orientation of the phantoms within the magnetic field resulted in changes in diffusion metrics. Observation of wood vessels and fibers was conducted.DiscussionWood and fibers have anisotropy and are promising as phantom materials. The development of anisotropic phantoms that anyone can use is useful for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging research and clinical applications.

Novel pore size‐controlled, susceptibility matched, 3D‐printed MRI phantoms

“…The use of designer phantoms greatly aids in this process. Several MRI phantoms, Table S1, have been designed and fabricated [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] to represent microscopically anisotropic powder averaged structures. Although functional, they often suffer from susceptibility artifacts, safety concerns, like spillage of organic solvents, or fragility, limiting phantom transportability and robustness.…”

Novel Pore Size-Controlled, Susceptibility Matched, 3D-Printed MRI Phantoms

“…The use of designer phantoms greatly aids in this process. Several MRI phantoms have been designed and fabricated [11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18] to represent microscopically anisotropic but macroscopically isotropic grey matter tissue. These phantoms, although functional, often suffer from susceptibility contrast between the phantom material and water as compared to biological tissues, safety concerns, such as spillage of organic solvents, or fragility, limiting phantom transportability and robustness.…”