D J. McHugh1, 2, P L. Hubbard1, 2, S Zhao1, 2, G J. Parker1, 2, J H. Naish1, 2
1Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; 2The University of Manchester Biomedical Imaging Institute, United Kingdom
We present preliminary results of using pulsed and oscillating diffusion gradients at 1.5 T to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and perfusion-sensitive diffusivity as a function of effective diffusion time in the human liver. Results show an increase in ADC as shorter diffusion times are probed, providing evidence of restricted diffusion, as well as a decrease in the perfusion-sensitive diffusivity at shorter diffusion times. This indicates the feasibility of using the time-dependent diffusivity to distinguish between restricted diffusion and flow in humans, and the potential for using oscillating diffusion gradients at low field strength to reach shorter diffusion times.