Fast T2-IVIM Imaging with Distortion & Motion Correction for Quantitative Mapping in the Abdomen

Motivation: Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) modeling offers quantification of tissue cellularity and pseudo-perfusion parameters. However, standard IVIM is affected by T2 compartment differences. Goal(s): Deliver joint T2-IVIM parameter maps to correct IVIM parameters for T2-decay and capture multi-contrast quantitative maps in a fast, clinically viable scan time for pediatric imaging. Approach: Utilizing a single-shot ME-EPI sequence, we captured alternating phase-encoding echoes across diffusion-weighting in humans. A T2-IVIM model fitting approach was developed and applied across the abdomen, focusing on the kidney and liver. Results: Motion and distortion correction were effectively corrected. The T2-IVIM model was successfully applied even in cases with bulk motion. Impact: Using a multi-echo (ME) single-shot EPI sequence for simultaneous IVIM and T2 fitting enables correction for T2 biases in IVIM parameters, motion robust distortion correction, and is suitable for general abdominal imaging while saving scan time in clinical protocols.