Table 3.
Results of the fBIRN EPI stability measurements (in mean ± SD across runs). The only major difference between the runs with vs. without PET insert can be seen in the signal intensity drift. SFNR and rdc show a statistical significant difference between the two configurations, however, these values are still in a range where they are unlikely to impact in-vivo imaging studies. Average signal intensity and RMS stability are not influenced by the presence of the PET insert.
| number of runs | without PET | with PET | statistical significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 9 | n = 30 | ||
| Average signal intensity [a.u.] | 2342 ± 6 | 2331 ± 89 | No (p > 0.05) |
| Signal intensity drift [%] | 0.062 ± 0.032 | 0.617 ± 0.346 | Yes (p < 0.05) |
| RMS stability [%] | 0.071 ± 0.004 | 0.070 ± 0.006 | No (p > 0.05) |
| SFNR | 333 ± 11 | 311 ± 18 | Yes (p < 0.05) |
| rdc [Pixel] | 4.01 ± 0.23 | 4.62 ± 0.42 | Yes (p < 0.05) |