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Cai TX, Williamson NH, Ravin R, Basser PJ. The Diffusion Exchange Ratio (DEXR): A minimal sampling of diffusion exchange spectroscopy to probe exchange, restriction, and time-dependence. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2024; 366:107745. [PMID: 39126819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2024.107745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Water exchange is increasingly recognized as an important biological process that can affect the study of biological tissue using diffusion MR. Methods to measure exchange, however, remain immature as opposed to those used to characterize restriction, with no consensus on the optimal pulse sequence (s) or signal model (s). In general, the trend has been towards data-intensive fitting of highly parameterized models. We take the opposite approach and show that a judicious sub-sample of diffusion exchange spectroscopy (DEXSY) data can be used to robustly quantify exchange, as well as restriction, in a data-efficient manner. This sampling produces a ratio of two points per mixing time: (i) one point with equal diffusion weighting in both encoding periods, which gives maximal exchange contrast, and (ii) one point with the same total diffusion weighting in just the first encoding period, for normalization. We call this quotient the Diffusion EXchange Ratio (DEXR). Furthermore, we show that it can be used to probe time-dependent diffusion by estimating the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) over intermediate to long times (∼2-500ms). We provide a comprehensive theoretical framework for the design of DEXR experiments in the case of static or constant gradients. Data from Monte Carlo simulations and experiments acquired in fixed and viable ex vivo neonatal mouse spinal cord using a permanent magnet system are presented to test and validate this approach. In viable spinal cord, we report the following apparent parameters from just 6 data points: τk=17±4ms, fNG=0.72±0.01, Reff=1.05±0.01μm, and κeff=0.19±0.04μm/ms, which correspond to the exchange time, restricted or non-Gaussian signal fraction, an effective spherical radius, and permeability, respectively. For the VACF, we report a long-time, power-law scaling with ≈t-2.4, which is approximately consistent with disordered domains in 3-D. Overall, the DEXR method is shown to be highly efficient, capable of providing valuable quantitative diffusion metrics using minimal MR data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy X Cai
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Nathan H Williamson
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Rea Ravin
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA; Celoptics, Inc., Rockville, 20850, MD, USA
| | - Peter J Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA.
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Oshiro H, Hata J, Nakashima D, Oshiro R, Hayashi N, Haga Y, Hagiya K, Yoshimaru D, Okano H. Restricted diffusion characteristics in oscillating gradient spin echo with mesoscopic phantom. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26391. [PMID: 38434080 PMCID: PMC10906284 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) has an extremely short diffusion time if motion probing gradient (MPG) is applied to the waveform. Further, it can detect microstructural specificity. OGSE changes sensitivity to spin displacement velocity based on the MPG phase. The current study aimed to investigate the restricted diffusion characteristics of each OGSE waveform using the capillary phantom with various b-values, frequencies, and MPG phases. We performed OGSE (b-value = 300, 500, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 s/mm2) for the sine and cosine waveforms using the capillary phantom (6, 12, 25, 50, and 100 μm and free water) with a 9.4-T experimental magnetic resonance imaging system and a solenoid coil. We evaluated the axial and radial diffusivity (AD, RD) of each structure size. The output current of the MPG was assessed with an oscilloscope and analyzed with the gradient modulation power spectra by fast Fourier transform. In sine, the sidelobe spectrum was enhanced with increasing frequency, and the central spectrum slightly increased. The difference in RD was detected at 6 and 12 μm; however, it did not depend on the structure scale at 50 or 100 μm and free water. In cosine, the diffusion spectrum was enhanced, whereas the central spectrum decreased with increasing frequency. Both AD and RD in cosine had a frequency dependence, and AD and RD increased with a higher frequency regardless of structure size. AD and RD in either sine or cosine had no evident b-value dependence. We evaluated the OGSE-restricted diffusion characteristics. The measurements obtained diffusion information similar to the pulsed gradient spin echo. Hence, the cosine measurements indicated that a higher frequency could capture faster diffusion within the diffusion phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Oshiro
- Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Junichi Hata
- Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Keio University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Rintaro Oshiro
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Japan
| | - Naoya Hayashi
- Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yawara Haga
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Keio University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Hagiya
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshimaru
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Keio University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- RIKEN, Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Keio University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Campbell-Washburn AE, Keenan KE, Hu P, Mugler JP, Nayak KS, Webb AG, Obungoloch J, Sheth KN, Hennig J, Rosen MS, Salameh N, Sodickson DK, Stein JM, Marques JP, Simonetti OP. Low-field MRI: A report on the 2022 ISMRM workshop. Magn Reson Med 2023; 90:1682-1694. [PMID: 37345725 PMCID: PMC10683532 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In March 2022, the first ISMRM Workshop on Low-Field MRI was held virtually. The goals of this workshop were to discuss recent low field MRI technology including hardware and software developments, novel methodology, new contrast mechanisms, as well as the clinical translation and dissemination of these systems. The virtual Workshop was attended by 368 registrants from 24 countries, and included 34 invited talks, 100 abstract presentations, 2 panel discussions, and 2 live scanner demonstrations. Here, we report on the scientific content of the Workshop and identify the key themes that emerged. The subject matter of the Workshop reflected the ongoing developments of low-field MRI as an accessible imaging modality that may expand the usage of MRI through cost reduction, portability, and ease of installation. Many talks in this Workshop addressed the use of computational power, efficient acquisitions, and contemporary hardware to overcome the SNR limitations associated with low field strength. Participants discussed the selection of appropriate clinical applications that leverage the unique capabilities of low-field MRI within traditional radiology practices, other point-of-care settings, and the broader community. The notion of "image quality" versus "information content" was also discussed, as images from low-field portable systems that are purpose-built for clinical decision-making may not replicate the current standard of clinical imaging. Speakers also described technical challenges and infrastructure challenges related to portability and widespread dissemination, and speculated about future directions for the field to improve the technology and establish clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Campbell-Washburn
- Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn E Keenan
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Peng Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - John P Mugler
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Krishna S Nayak
- Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew G Webb
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin N Sheth
- Division of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and the Yale Center for Brain and Mind Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jürgen Hennig
- Dept.of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthew S Rosen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Najat Salameh
- Center for Adaptable MRI Technology (AMT Center), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Daniel K Sodickson
- Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joel M Stein
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - José P Marques
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Orlando P Simonetti
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Cai TX, Williamson NH, Ravin R, Basser PJ. Disentangling the effects of restriction and exchange with diffusion exchange spectroscopy. FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS 2022; 10:805793. [PMID: 37063496 PMCID: PMC10104504 DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2022.805793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion exchange spectroscopy (DEXSY) is a multidimensional NMR technique that can reveal how water molecules exchange between compartments within heterogeneous media, such as biological tissue. Data from DEXSY experiments is typically processed using numerical inverse Laplace transforms (ILTs) to produce a diffusion-diffusion spectrum. A tacit assumption of this ILT approach is that the signal behavior is Gaussian - i.e., the spin echo intensity decays exponentially with the degree of diffusion weighting. The assumptions that underlie Gaussian signal behavior may be violated, however, depending on the gradient strength applied and the sample under study. We argue that non-Gaussian signal behavior due to restrictions is to be expected in the study of biological tissue using diffusion NMR. Further, we argue that this signal behavior can produce confounding features in the diffusion-diffusion spectra obtained from numerical ILTs of DEXSY data - entangling the effects of restriction and exchange. Specifically, restricted signal behavior can result in broadening of peaks and in the appearance of illusory exchanging compartments with distributed diffusivities, which pearl into multiple peaks if not highly regularized. We demonstrate these effects on simulated data. That said, we suggest the use of features in the signal acquisition domain that can be used to rapidly probe exchange without employing an ILT. We also propose a means to characterize the non-Gaussian signal behavior due to restrictions within a sample using DEXSY measurements with a near zero mixing time or storage interval. We propose a combined acquisition scheme to independently characterize restriction and exchange with various DEXSY measurements, which we term Restriction and Exchange from Equally-weighted Double and Single Diffusion Encodings (REEDS-DE). We test this method on ex vivo neonatal mouse spinal cord - a sample consisting primarily of gray matter - using a low-field, static gradient NMR system. In sum, we highlight critical shortcomings of prevailing DEXSY analysis methods that conflate the effects of restriction and exchange, and suggest a viable experimental approach to disentangle them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy X. Cai
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nathan H. Williamson
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rea Ravin
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Celoptics, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter J. Basser
- Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Correspondence: Peter J. Basser, Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 13, Room 3W16, 13 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5772, USA,
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