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Readout-segmented diffusion weighted imaging of the testis at 3.0 T: comparison with single-shot echo-planar imaging

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Abstract

Objective

The current study aimed to explore the feasibility of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (RS-EPI) of the testis at 3.0 T, by comparing with single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) in qualitative image quality and quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.

Methods

66 patients undergoing scrotal MRI for various clinical indications were included retrospectively. RS-EPI image quality was rated from 1 (severe distortion or artifact, or nondiagnostic) to 4 (nearly no distortion or artifact, or outstanding). The comparative image quality (RS- vs. SS-EPI) was rated from − 2 (SS-EPI severe or greater conspicuity) to 2 (RS-EPI severe or greater conspicuity). The confidence interval of proportions (CIOP) of comparative image quality and Wilcoxon rank sum test were performed to assess the preferences between RS-EPI and SS-EPI. Paired samples t-test and Bland–Altman analysis were performed to compare the mean ADC values of RS-EPI and SS-EPI. The mean, maximum, and minimum ADC values measured by RS-EPI were compared in normal testicular parenchyma, benign and malignant intratesticular lesions.

Results

The evaluation of RS-EPI image quality showed RS-EPI with the characteristics of slight geometric distortion and susceptibility artifact, and good lesion conspicuity. The assessment of comparative image quality showed SS-EPI with obvious geometric distortion and susceptibility artifact, and RS-EPI preferred in lesion conspicuity. The CIOP ranged from 97 to 100% among three readers, with preferring to RS-EPI improving image quality (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation and good agreement between mean ADC values measured by RS-EPI and SS-EPI. The mean, maximum and minimum ADC values by RS-EPI were significantly different in normal testicular parenchyma, benign and malignant intratesticular lesions.

Conclusion

RS-EPI DWI of the testis improved image quality in geometric distortion, susceptibility artifacts, and lesion conspicuity, and provided highly correlated and consistent mean ADC values when compared to SS-EPI DWI, indicating the feasibility of RS-EPI DWI of testes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of MRI, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China

    Feifei Yao, Mengyue Huang, Juan Li & Xuemei Gao

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  1. Feifei Yao
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  2. Mengyue Huang
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Correspondence to Feifei Yao.

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Yao, F., Huang, M., Li, J. et al. Readout-segmented diffusion weighted imaging of the testis at 3.0 T: comparison with single-shot echo-planar imaging. Abdom Radiol 48, 2131–2138 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-03899-w

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