Correlated Diffusion Imaging

We introduce a new form of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging called correlated diffusion imaging, where the tissue being imaged is characterized by the joint correlation of diffusion signal attenuation across multiple gradient pulse strengths and timings. By taking into account signal attenuation at different water diffusion motion sensitivities, correlated diffusion imaging can provide improved delineation between cancerous tissue and healthy tissue when compared to existing diffusion imaging modalities.

Figure showing how acquired signals are combined

Fig. 1. To characterize the tissue being imaged, the acquired signals are mixed together to obtain the local correlation of signal attenuation across the acquired signals.

Figure comparing tumor detection on T1- weighted image and the correlated diffusion image

Fig. 2. Tumor stands out well on Correlated Diffusion Imaging (CDI) (third image) and not at all on T2-weighted imaging (first image) in patient with prostate cancer. The second image shows the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, which shows increased contrast around left side of transition zone.

Figure comparing tumor detection on T2- weighted image and the correlated diffusion image

Fig. 3. Similar to Fig. 2, the tumor stands out well on CDI (third image) and not at all on T2-weighted imaging (first image) in patient with prostate cancer. The second image shows the ADC map, which shows increased contrast around left side of transition zone.