ADC mapping by means of a single-shot spiral MRI technique with application in acute cerebral ischemia

Diffusion-weighted MRI based on single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) has b een established as a useful tool to study acute cerebral ischemia, However, EPI is prone to spatial distortion and ghosting artifacts. In this study, a pulse sequence for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) based on a single-sho t spiral readout is presented. Using this technique, multislice apparent di ffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping can be performed in an interleaved fashio n with the same temporal resolution as EPI. Other advantages associated wit h ADC mapping by the single-shot spiral method include minimal ghosting art ifacts, reduced spatial distortion, and capability to scan in arbitrary pla nes. This technique has been successfully tested in five normal volunteers and three stroke patients. It has been demonstrated that the single-shot sp iral technique is capable of producing high quality DWI and ADC trace maps (128 x 128) in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, which facilitate cl inical diagnosis. Magn Reson Med 41:143-147, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc .