Implementation of gradient nonlinearity correction for ADC measurements in head and neck cancer

The present study evaluated the correction efficacy for ADC values bias due to the gradient nonlinearity of the MRI system on primary tumors, neck nodal metastases, and masseter muscle in the head and neck region using a vendor-provided LOw VAriance (LOVA) ADC technique. The LOVA ADC technique was developed and implemented to compensate for gradient linearity errors that may allow consistent ADC values in large FOV independent of the offset from the scanner isocenter. Our results confirmed the potential of the LOVA technique to improve ADC accuracy independent of location and scanner gradient characteristics.