Echoplanar diffusion tensor imaging of the lower leg musculature using eddy current nulled stimulated echo preparation

A sequence for echoplanar diffusion tensor imaging of musculature was developed using a stimulated echo preparation. The strategy was optimized in order to obtain reliable diffusion tensor data in a short measuring time. Image distortion problems due to eddy currents arising from long-lasting diffusion sensitizing gradients could be overcome by insertion of additional gradient pulses in the TM interval of the stimulated echo preparation. In contrast to former approaches with similar intention, the proposed strategy does not influence the stimulated echo signal itself and does not lead to prolonged echo time as in the case of spin echo methods. Phantom measurements were performed to compare eddy current induced distortion effects in diffusion weighted images. The diffusion tensor in the musculature of the lower leg was investigated in four healthy subjects and maps of the trace and the three eigenvalues of the diffusion tensor, fractional anisotropy maps, and angle maps were calculated.