Optimization for Q-Space Imaging in a Clinical Setting: Setting of MPG Direction Number

Abstract

Q-Space Imaging (QSI) is widely used to evaluate non-Gaussian, restricted diffusional changes of water molecules. We scanned the brains of volunteers to evaluate the optimal settings of Motion Probing Gradient (MPG) settings in clinical use. The settings of MPG direction were MPG1, MPG2, MPG3, MPG6, and MPG15. We evaluated analysis values of the Probability Density Function (PDF) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), corpus callosum ampulla (white matter), posterior limb of internal capsule (white matter), and thalamus (gray matter). In the MPG3 or more axes, the comparable results were obtained at all measurement points. In addition, in the MPG2, it was equal to results of MPG15 by a setting direction. In conclusion, in the clinical use of QSI, the MPG3 or more settings are appropriate.