Phantom evaluation of temperature measurements using MR molecular diffusion technique

Temperature measurements using magnetic resonance imaging of molecular diffusion are evaluated. Diffusion images and derived temperatures are obtained with gel-phantom. The temperatures measured from MRI are compared with those from probes to verify their accuracy. Results indicate that this thermometry approach is capable of meeting temperature and spatial resolution required for useful application in hyperthermia. In general, the average difference between temperatures determined from MR diffusion images over 0.3-cm3 regions of interest and from temperature probes was 0.2°C. Techniques for reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy are also discussed.

Duke Scholars

Author William T. Joines Electrical and Computer Engineering