Diffusion MRI With High to Ultrahigh b-Values: How It Will Benefit the Discovery of Brain Microstructure and Pathological Changes
10.13104/imri.2022.26.4.200
- Author:
Paween WONGKORNCHAOVALIT
1
;
Min FENG
;
Hongjian HE
;
Jianhui ZHONG
Author Information
1. Center for Brain Imaging Science and Technology, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2022;26(4):200-207
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) has been widely utilized to probe the random motion of water molecules in tissues. In a dMRI acquisition protocol, diffusion weighting or b-value is one of the most important parameters to consider. In recent years, high and ultrahigh b-values have become popular partly due to advances in hardware. In this mini-review, we will discuss impacts of high/ultrahigh b-values in three different areas: brain microstructure, tractography, and clinical applications. We will emphasize advantages of high b-value in probing diffusion within highly restricted regions or fine structures with enhanced diffusion contrast. A short summary is included at the end of each section to illustrate both advantages and disadvantages of using a high/ultrahigh b-value for each purpose.
