Read-out Segmented Echo Planar Imaging with Two-Dimensional Navigator Correction (RESOLVE): An Alternative Sequence to Improve Image Quality on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Prostate

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate if the use of read-out segmented echo planar imaging with additional two-dimensional navigator correction (RESOLVE) for acquiring prostate diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) improves image quality, compared to single-shot echo planar imaging (ss-EPI). Methods: : This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study cohort included 162 consecutive males with suspected prostate cancer, who underwent 3 Tesla multiparametric MRI (3T-mpMRI). Two abdominal radiologists, blinded to clinical information, separately reviewed each 3T-mpMRI study to score geometrical distortion, volume of rectal gas, lesion conspicuity and anatomic details delineation first on ss-EPI and subsequently RESOLVE images using five-point scales (1 = excellent, 5 = poor). Results: There was good-to-excellent inter reader agreement for scoring image quality parameters on both ss-EPI and RESOLVE. Geometrical distortion scores > 3 was seen in 12.3% (20/162) of ss-EPI images, with all having geometrical distortion score <3 on RESOLVE (p < .001). Mean image distortion score was significantly less on RESOLVE than ss-EPI (1.16 vs 1.61, p < .01 regardless of rectal gas, p.05 when stratified by volume of rectal gas degree). RESOLVE was superior to ss-EPI for lesion conspicuity (mean 1.35 vs 1.53, p:.002) and anatomic delineation (2.60 vs 2.68, p:.001). Conclusion: Compared to conventional ss-EPI, the use of RESOLVE for acquisition of prostate DWI resulted in significantly enhanced image quality and reduced geometrical distortion. Advances in knowledge: Readout segmented-EPI could be an alternative or replacement of single shot-EPI for acquiring prostate diffusion-weighted imaging with significantly less geometrical distortion and significantly improved lesion conspicuity and anatomic delineation.

Recent Developments in Speeding up Prostate MRI

“…To decrease susceptibility sensitivity, reduce image distortion and improve image quality for lesion detection and delineation compared to conventional ss EPI acquisition, a readout segmented echoplanar imaging (rs EPI) is recommended as an alternative 41 . In a prospective study conducted on 162 patients, two radiologists evaluated the images and rated rs EPI significantly higher in image quality, better in lesion conspicuity and anatomic delineation, and more resistant to geometrical distortion.…”

“…To decrease susceptibility sensitivity, reduce image distortion and improve image quality for lesion detection and delineation compared to conventional ss EPI acquisition, a readout segmented echoplanar imaging (rs EPI) is recommended as an alternative. 41 In a prospective study conducted on 162 patients, two radiologists evaluated the images and rated rs EPI significantly higher in image quality, better in lesion conspicuity and anatomic delineation, and more resistant to geometrical distortion. With shorter acquisition time due to larger voxel size, fewer b-values, and less averages, rs EPI showed significantly improved lesion conspicuity and could be used as an alternative or replacement for acquiring prostate DWI instead of ss EPI.…”

High-resolution Diffusion-weighted Imaging of the Prostate Using Multiplexed Sensitivity-encoding: Comparison with the Conventional and Reduced Field-of-view Techniques

“…[7][8][9] Multi-shot EPI DWI techniques developed by other vendors include readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE) and image reconstruction using the image-space sampling function (IRIS). 10,11 RESOLVE is a readout-segmented technique, while MUSE and IRIS are phase-segmented techniques, and IRIS uses a 2D navigator echo to reduce motion effects between shots. 11 The usefulness of MUSE-DWI has been reported in various organs, including the breast, liver, and rectum, [12][13][14] and there have also been a few reports of its usefulness in prostate MRI.…”

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Penile Cancer: A Pictorial Review

“…Several DWI techniques have been developed to reduce distortion caused by magnetic susceptibility. These include reduced FOV techniques utilizing spatially selective excitation, such as FOCUS delivered by GE Healthcare, ZOOMit delivered by Siemens, and ZOOM delivered by Philips [41]; readout-segmented multi-shot EPI, such as RESOLVE delivered by Siemens [42]; and phase-segmented multi-shot EPI, such as MUSE delivered by GE Healthcare and IRIS delivered by Philips [43,44]. Sequences that combine these techniques and/or DL are available and help to further improve the image quality.…”