The robust advantage of 0.55 Tesla MRI on malignant skin tumor diffusion-weighted imaging compared with 1.5 Tesla MRI

Motivation: Using a lower magnetic field strength of 0.55 Tesla (0.55T) MRI may reduce local deformation artifacts and magnetic-sensitive artifacts by reducing the magnetic field nonuniformity of the skin-air interface; verification would contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment regimens. Goal(s): We aimed to verify the feasibility of 0.55T MRI in optimizing the image quality of skin tumor DWI. Approach: DWI images of 22 patients' malignant skin tumor acquired on 0.55T and 1.5T MRI scanners were compared subjectively and objectively. Results: DWI at 0.55T has great potential to improve the image quality of skin tumor DWI images. Impact: Compared with 1.5T DWI, 0.55T DWI has great potential in decreasing artifacts and distortion of skin tumor DWI images by reducing the magnetic field nonuniformity caused by the interface between air and soft tissue.