Test-retest repeatability of ADC in prostate using the multi b-Value VERDICT acquisition

Abstract

PurposeVERDICT (Vascular, Extracellular, Restricted Diffusion for Cytometry in Tumours) MRI is a multi b-value, variable diffusion time DWI sequence that allows generation of ADC maps from different b-value and diffusion time combinations. The aim was to assess precision of prostate ADC measurements from varying b-value combinations using VERDICT and determine which protocol provides the most repeatable ADC. Materials and MethodsForty-one men (median age: 67.7 years) from a prior prospective VERDICT study (April 2016–October 2017) were analysed retrospectively. Men who were suspected of prostate cancer and scanned twice using VERDICT were included. ADC maps were formed using 5b-value combinations and the within-subject standard deviations (wSD) were calculated per ADC map. Three anatomical locations were analysed per subject: normal TZ (transition zone), normal PZ (peripheral zone), and index lesions. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed which b-value range had the lowest wSD, Spearman correlation and generalized linear model regression analysis determined whether wSD was related to ADC magnitude and ROI size. ResultsThe mean lesion ADC for b0b1500 had the lowest wSD in most zones (0.18–0.58x10-4 mm2/s). The wSD was unaffected by ADC magnitude (Lesion: p = 0.064, TZ: p = 0.368, PZ: p = 0.072) and lesion Likert score (p = 0.95). wSD showed a decrease with ROI size pooled over zones (p = 0.019, adjusted regression coefficient = -1.6x10-3, larger ROIs for TZ versus PZ versus lesions). ADC maps formed with a maximum b-value of 500 s/mm2 had the largest wSDs (1.90–10.24x10-4 mm2/s). ConclusionADC maps generated from b0b1500 have better repeatability in normal TZ, normal PZ, and index lesions.