[Diffusion imaging using three orthogonal diffusion encoding gradients].

A new pulse sequence for in vivo diffusion measurements by magnetic resonance imaging is introduced. The proposed sequence employed gradient sensitization in three orthogonal directions to accentuate the effects of diffusion. The amplitudes and durations of the diffusion encoding gradients were carefully selected to achieve optimal signal-to-noise ratio in diffusion imaging. The pulse sequence was implemented on a superconducting whole body imager operating at 1.5 T. The self-diffusion coefficient of water in a bottle was measured to be 2.17 +/- 0.089 X 10(-9) m2/sec at 23 degrees C consistent with other previous measurements. A preclinical study with a human volunteer was also performed and results were presented.