Biological Sciences Division
Published August 24, 2021 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Development of a standardized MRI protocol for pancreas assessment in humans

Creators

  • 1. University of Texas at Austin
  • 2. Vanderbilt University
  • 3. University of Colorado
  • 4. University of Chicago
  • 5. St. Vincent's Institute

Description

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has detected changes in pancreas volume and other characteristics in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, differences in MRI technology and approaches across locations currently limit the incorporation of pancreas imaging into multisite trials. The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized MRI protocol for pancreas imaging and to define the reproducibility of these measurements. Calibrated phantoms with known MRI properties were imaged at five sites with differing MRI hardware and software to develop a harmonized MRI imaging protocol. Subsequently, five healthy volunteers underwent MRI at four sites using the harmonized protocol to assess pancreas size, shape, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), longitudinal relaxation time (T1), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and pancreas and hepatic fat fraction. Following harmonization, pancreas size, surface area to volume ratio, diffusion, and longitudinal relaxation time were reproducible, with coefficients of variation less than 10%. In contrast, non-standardized image processing led to greater variation in MRI measurements. By using a standardized MRI image acquisition and processing protocol, quantitative MRI of the pancreas performed at multiple locations can be incorporated into clinical trials comparing pancreas imaging measures and metabolic state in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Data availability

MRI files contain protected health information (PHI) and can only be shared with IRB permission. Data are available from the Texas Data Repository (contact via support@tdl.org) for researchers who meet the criteria for access to confidential data.

Files

journal.pone.0256029.pdf

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0256029
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:5919

Funding

JDRF International
3-SRA-2019-759-M-B
JDRF International
3-SRA-2015-102-M-B
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
DK20593
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
DK20595
Cain Foundation
UL1 TR002389
Kovler Family Foundation
Victorian State Government
Operational Infrastructure Support Scheme
NCATS/NIHT
UL1 TR000445
NIDDK
K12DK094712

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Biological Sciences Division
Department(s)
Pediatrics, Radiology