Distinguishing Restricted Diffusion and Flow Using Pulsed and Oscillating Diffusion Gradients at 1.5 T

D J. McHugh¹, ², P L. Hubbard¹, ², S Zhao¹, ², G J. Parker¹, ², J H. Naish¹, ²

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.