Background: A key component of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), which examines the random Brownian motion of water molecules within tissue voxels. DWI methods are commonly based on echo-planar imaging (EPI), which is the fastest MRI acquisition method. However, nonEPI methods, such as turbo spin echo (TSE), can be employed as alternatives. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of non-echo-planar (EP)-DWI in minimizing air-bone interface artifacts and enhancing image quality compared to EP-DWI. Objectives: The objective of the study was (1) to compare EP-DWI and non-EP-DWI in reducing air-bone artifacts and (2) to enhance MRI image quality by minimizing air-bone interface artifacts in DWI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 patients selected through convenience sampling who underwent brain MRI in the Department of Radiology over 1 year. Images were acquired based on qualitative (geometric distortion) and quantitative (signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and scan time) parameters for both EP-DWI and non-EP-DWI sequences. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney rank test. Results: The study included 34 patients (17 males and 17 females). The age distribution was: 15–30 years: 5; 31–45 years: 14; 46–60 years: 10; and 61–75 years: 5. Conclusion: Among the 34 patients scanned using both EP-DWI and fast spin echo (FSE)-DWI sequences, FSE-DWI demonstrated reduced artifact levels.
Deiveegan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.