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Abstract #2077

Correcting diffusion weighted MR images for signal pile-up and distortions near gas pockets

Laurens D. van Buuren1, Daniel Polders1, Maaike T. Milder1, Floris J. Pos1, Stijn W. Heijmink1, Baukelien van Triest1, and Uulke A. van der Heide1

1Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Echo-planar imaging is widely used to obtain diffusion images within acceptable time limits. These images suffer from geometric distortions. Additionally, the diffusion signal intensity can be obscured by signal pile-up, when strong variations of the magnetic field occur, for example near gas pockets. We demonstrate in a water phantom that both the signal pile-up and geometric distortions can be corrected by combining the information from EPI images obtained with opposite gradients and a magnetic field map. We applied this method in two patients and show a reduction in signal pile-up and geometric distortions near gas pockets in the rectum.

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