Motivation: Recent works have develop techniques for accurate proton density fat fraction (PDFF) quantification at 0.55T. However, the reproducibility of PDFF values between 0.55T and clinical 1.5T and 3T have not been investigated. Goal(s): We propose a study design to evaluate the reproducibility of liver PDFF across 0.55T, 1.5T, and 3T scanners. Approach: A total of twenty subjects (10 healthy and 10 with hepatic steatosis) will be scanned in commercially available 0.55T, 1.5T and 3T scanners. Statistical tests will be performed to test differences in the PDFF across three field strengths. Reproducibility coefficients across all three field strengths will also be calculated. Impact: Accurate and reproducible PDFF mapping at MRI scanners with lower field strengths may increase access to MRI for patients with liver steatosis.
Shih et al. (Tue,) studied this question.