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Milotta G, Corbin N, Lambert C, Lutti A, Mohammadi S, Callaghan MF. Mitigating the impact of flip angle and orientation dependence in single compartment R2* estimates via 2-pool modeling. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:128-143. [PMID: 36161672 PMCID: PMC9827921 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effective transverse relaxation rate (R 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ ) is influenced by biological features that make it a useful means of probing brain microstructure. However, confounding factors such as dependence on flip angle (α) and fiber orientation with respect to the main field (θ $$ \uptheta $$ ) complicate interpretation. The α- andθ $$ \uptheta $$ -dependence stem from the existence of multiple sub-voxel micro-environments (e.g., myelin and non-myelin water compartments). Ordinarily, it is challenging to quantify these sub-compartments; therefore, neuroscientific studies commonly make the simplifying assumption of a mono-exponential decay obtaining a singleR 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ estimate per voxel. In this work, we investigated how the multi-compartment nature of tissue microstructure affects single compartmentR 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ estimates. METHODS We used 2-pool (myelin and non-myelin water) simulations to characterize the bias in single compartmentR 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ estimates. Based on our numeric observations, we introduced a linear model that partitionsR 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ into α-dependent and α-independent components and validated this in vivo at 7T. We investigated the dependence of both components on the sub-compartment properties and assessed their robustness, orientation dependence, and reproducibility empirically. RESULTS R 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ increased with myelin water fraction and residency time leading to a linear dependence on α. We observed excellent agreement between our numeric and empirical results. Furthermore, the α-independent component of the proposed linear model was robust to the choice of α and reduced dependence on fiber orientation, although it suffered from marginally higher noise sensitivity. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated and validated a simple approach that mitigates flip angle and orientation biases in single-compartmentR 2 * $$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Milotta
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London
LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nadège Corbin
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London
LondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536CNRS/University BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Christian Lambert
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London
LondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antoine Lutti
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department for Clinical NeuroscienceLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Siawoosh Mohammadi
- Department of Systems NeurosciencesUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
- Department of NeurophysicsMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Martina F. Callaghan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College London
LondonUnited Kingdom
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Fujiwara Y, Mio M. Improvement in the contrast-to-noise ratio and quantitative measurement of T 1 and T 2* values for carotid atherosclerotic plaque using multi-echo phase-sensitive inversion recovery. Radiol Phys Technol 2021; 14:186-192. [PMID: 33942236 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-021-00619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging is required to accurately evaluate carotid plaque vulnerability. We prospectively evaluated the potential for fast quantitative black-blood carotid vessel wall imaging using a three-dimensional (3D) multi-echo phase-sensitive inversion recovery (mPSIR) sequence. Forty-nine patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were examined. Two-dimensional (2D) turbo spin-echo (TSE), 3D volumetric isotropic turbo spin-echo, and 3D mPSIR imaging were performed. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the carotid plaque and adjacent muscle were compared for the three imaging methods. The T1 and T2* values of the carotid plaques were measured using 3D mPSIR images. These values were compared with those of symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. For carotid plaques with a signal intensity ratio ≥ 1.55, between the carotid plaque and adjacent muscle in 2D TSE images, the CNR of the mPSIR images was significantly higher than that of the other sequences. T1 values for symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques were 544.0 ± 258.0 and 569.1 ± 301.7, respectively. T2* values for symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques were 34.0 ± 33.0 and 21.8 ± 20.3 ms, respectively. There were no significant differences in the T1 and T2* values between the symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. 3D mPSIR improves the CNR of T1-weighted images for carotid plaques and the adjacent muscle while simultaneously providing the T1 and T2* values of the carotid plaque. This improved CNR may be useful for assessing the vulnerability of carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Medical Image Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1 Kuhonji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0976, Japan.
| | - Motohira Mio
- Department of Radiology, Fukuoka Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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Svedin BT, Parker DL. Technical Note: The effect of 2D excitation profile on T1 measurement accuracy using the variable flip angle method with an average flip angle assumption. Med Phys 2017; 44:5930-5937. [PMID: 28796308 DOI: 10.1002/mp.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the accuracy and precision of T1 estimates using the Variable Flip Angle (VFA) method in 2D and 3D acquisitions. METHODS Excitation profiles were simulated using numerical implementation of the Bloch equations for Hamming-windowed sinc excitation pulses with different time-bandwidth products (TBP) of 2, 6, and 10 and for T1 values of 295 ms and 1045 ms. Experimental data were collected in 5° increments from 5° to 90° for the same T1 and TBP values. T1 was calculated for every combination of flip angle with and without a correction for B1 and slice profile variation. Calculations were also made for flat slice profile such as obtained in 3D acquisition. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to obtain T1 measurement uncertainty. RESULTS VFA T1 measurements in 2D without correction can result in a 40-80% underestimation of true T1 . Flip angle correction can reduce the underestimation, but results in accurate measurements of T1 only within a narrow band of flip angle combinations. The narrow band of accuracy increases with TBP, but remains too narrow for any practical range of T1 values or B1 variation. Simulated noisy VFA T1 measurements in 3D were accurate as long as the two angles chosen are on either side of the Ernst angle. CONCLUSIONS Accurate T1 estimates from VFA 2D acquisitions are possible, but only a narrow range of T1 values within a narrow range of flip angle combinations can be accurately calculated using a 2D slice. Unless a better flip angle correction method is used, these results demonstrate that accurate measurements of T1 in 2D cannot be obtained robustly enough for practical use and are more likely obtained by a thin slab 3D VFA acquisition than from multiple-slice 2D acquisitions. VFA T1 measurements in 3D are accurate for wide ranges of flip angle combinations and T1 values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant T Svedin
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dennis L Parker
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Sharafi A, Chang G, Regatte RR. Biexponential T 2 relaxation estimation of human knee cartilage in vivo at 3T. J Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 47:809-819. [PMID: 28561955 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate biexponential T2 relaxation mapping of human knee cartilage in vivo in clinically feasible scan times. MATERIALS AND METHODS T2 -weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired from eight healthy volunteers using a standard 3T clinical scanner. A 3D Turbo-Flash sequence was modified to enable T2 -weighted imaging with different echo times. Series of T2 -weighted images were fitted using mono- and biexponential models with two- and four-parametric nonlinear approaches, respectively. RESULTS Biexponential relaxation of T2 was detected in the knee cartilage in five regions of interest in all eight healthy volunteers. Short/long relaxation components of T2 were estimated to be 8.27 ± 0.68 / 45.35 ± 3.79 msec with corresponding fractions of 41.3 ± 1.1% / 58.6 ± 4.6%, respectively. The monoexponential relaxation of T2 was measured to be 26.9 ± 2.27 msec. The experiments showed good repeatability with coefficient of variation root mean square (CVrms ) < 18% in all regions. The only difference in gender was observed in medial tibial cartilage, where the biexponential T2 in female volunteers was significantly higher compared to male volunteers (P = 0.014). Significant differences were observed in T2 relaxation between different regions on interest. CONCLUSION Biexponential relaxation of T2 was observed in the human knee cartilage in vivo. The short and long components are thought to be related to the tightly bound and loosely bound macromolecular water compartments. These preliminary results of biexponential T2 analysis could potentially be used to increase the specificity for detection of early osteoarthritis by measuring different water compartments and their fractions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:809-819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Sharafi
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gregory Chang
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ravinder R Regatte
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Bouhrara M, Spencer RG. Improved determination of the myelin water fraction in human brain using magnetic resonance imaging through Bayesian analysis of mcDESPOT. Neuroimage 2016; 127:456-471. [PMID: 26499810 PMCID: PMC4854306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping with magnetic resonance imaging has led to the ability to directly observe myelination and demyelination in both the developing brain and in disease. Multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) has been proposed as a rapid approach for multicomponent relaxometry and has been applied to map MWF in the human brain. However, even for the simplest two-pool signal model consisting of myelin-associated and non-myelin-associated water, the dimensionality of the parameter space for obtaining MWF estimates remains high. This renders parameter estimation difficult, especially at low-to-moderate signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), due to the presence of local minima and the flatness of the fit residual energy surface used for parameter determination using conventional nonlinear least squares (NLLS)-based algorithms. In this study, we introduce three Bayesian approaches for analysis of the mcDESPOT signal model to determine MWF. Given the high-dimensional nature of the mcDESPOT signal model, and, therefore the high-dimensional marginalizations over nuisance parameters needed to derive the posterior probability distribution of the MWF, the Bayesian analyses introduced here use different approaches to reduce the dimensionality of the parameter space. The first approach uses normalization by average signal amplitude, and assumes that noise can be accurately estimated from signal-free regions of the image. The second approach likewise uses average amplitude normalization, but incorporates a full treatment of noise as an unknown variable through marginalization. The third approach does not use amplitude normalization and incorporates marginalization over both noise and signal amplitude. Through extensive Monte Carlo numerical simulations and analysis of in vivo human brain datasets exhibiting a range of SNR and spatial resolution, we demonstrated markedly improved accuracy and precision in the estimation of MWF using these Bayesian methods as compared to the stochastic region contraction (SRC) implementation of NLLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Bouhrara
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Bouhrara M, Spencer RG. Incorporation of nonzero echo times in the SPGR and bSSFP signal models used in mcDESPOT. Magn Reson Med 2015; 74:1227-35. [PMID: 26407635 PMCID: PMC4619140 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the effect of neglecting nonzero echo times (TEs) in the conventional model of multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT). THEORY AND METHODS Formulations of the two-component spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) and balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) models that incorporate nonzero TE effects are presented in the context of mcDESPOT and compared with the conventionally used SPGR and bSSFP models which ignore nonzero TEs. Relative errors in derived parameter estimates from conventional mcDESPOT, omitting TE effects, are assessed using simulations over a wide range of experimental and sample parameters. RESULTS The neglect of nonzero TE leads to an overestimate of the SPGR signal and an underestimate of the bSSFP signal. These effects can introduce large errors in parameter estimates derived from conventional mcDESPOT under realistic imaging conditions. CONCLUSION SPGR and bSSFP signal models accounting for nonzero TE effects should be incorporated into quantitative mcDESPOT analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Richard G. Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Bouhrara M, Reiter DA, Celik H, Fishbein KW, Kijowski R, Spencer RG. Analysis of mcDESPOT- and CPMG-derived parameter estimates for two-component nonexchanging systems. Magn Reson Med 2015; 75:2406-20. [PMID: 26140371 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the reliability and stability of the multicomponent-driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) and Carl-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) approaches to parameter estimation. METHODS The stability and reliability of mcDESPOT and CPMG-derived parameter estimates were compared through examination of energy surfaces, evaluation of model sloppiness, and Monte Carlo simulations. Comparisons were performed on an equal time basis and assuming a two-component system. Parameter estimation bias, reflecting accuracy, and dispersion, reflecting precision, were derived for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and relaxation parameters. RESULTS The energy surfaces for parameters incorporated into the mcDESPOT signal model exhibit flatness, a complex structure of local minima, and instability to noise to a much greater extent than the corresponding surfaces for CPMG. Although both mcDESPOT and CPMG performed well at high SNR, the CPMG approach yielded parameter estimates of considerably greater accuracy and precision at lower SNR. CONCLUSION mcDESPOT and CPMG both permit high-quality parameter estimates under SNR that are clinically achievable under many circumstances, depending upon available hardware and resolution and acquisition time constraints. At moderate to high SNR, the mcDESPOT approach incorporating two-step phase increments can yield accurate parameter estimates while providing values for longitudinal relaxation times that are not available through CPMG. However, at low SNR, the CPMG approach is more stable and provides superior parameter estimates. Magn Reson Med 75:2406-2420, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David A Reiter
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hasan Celik
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth W Fishbein
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Kijowski
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Liu F, Choi KW, Samsonov A, Spencer RG, Wilson JJ, Block WF, Kijowski R. Articular Cartilage of the Human Knee Joint: In Vivo Multicomponent T2 Analysis at 3.0 T. Radiology 2015; 277:477-88. [PMID: 26024307 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2015142201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare multicomponent T2 parameters of the articular cartilage of the knee joint measured by using multicomponent driven equilibrium single-shot observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) in asymptomatic volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was performed with institutional review board approval and with written informed consent from all subjects. The mcDESPOT sequence was performed in the knee joint of 13 asymptomatic volunteers and 14 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Single-component T2 (T2(Single)), T2 of the fast-relaxing water component (T2F) and of the slow-relaxing water component (T2S), and the fraction of the fast-relaxing water component (F(F)) of cartilage were measured. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multivariate linear regression models were used to compare mcDESPOT parameters between volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess diagnostic performance with mcDESPOT parameters for distinguishing morphologically normal cartilage from morphologically degenerative cartilage identified at magnetic resonance imaging in eight cartilage subsections of the knee joint. RESULTS Higher cartilage T2(Single) (P < .001), lower cartilage F(F) (P < .001), and similar cartilage T2F (P = .079) and T2S (P = .124) values were seen in patients with osteoarthritis compared with those in asymptomatic volunteers. Differences in T2(Single) and F(F) remained significant (P < .05) after consideration of age differences between groups of subjects. Diagnostic performance was higher with F(F) than with T2(Single) for distinguishing between normal and degenerative cartilage (P < .05), with greater areas under the curve at receiver operating characteristic analysis. CONCLUSION Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee had significantly higher cartilage T2(Single) and significantly lower cartilage F(F) than did asymptomatic volunteers, and receiver operating characteristic analysis results suggested that F(F) may allow greater diagnostic performance than that with T2(Single) for distinguishing between normal and degenerative cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - Kwang Won Choi
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - Alexey Samsonov
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - Richard G Spencer
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - John J Wilson
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - Walter F Block
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
| | - Richard Kijowski
- From the Departments of Medical Physics (F.L., A.S., W.F.B.), Biomechanical Engineering (K.W.C.), Radiology (A.S., R.K.), and Orthopedics (J.J.W.), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Md (R.G.S.)
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Recent imaging advances in neurology. J Neurol 2015; 262:2182-94. [PMID: 25808503 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7711-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the recent years, the application of neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) has considerably advanced the understanding of complex neurological disorders. PET is a powerful molecular imaging tool, which investigates the distribution and binding of radiochemicals attached to biologically relevant molecules; as such, this technique is able to give information on biochemistry and metabolism of the brain in health and disease. MRI uses high intensity magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to provide structural and functional information on tissues and organs in intact or diseased individuals, including the evaluation of white matter integrity, grey matter thickness and brain perfusion. The aim of this article is to review the most recent advances in neuroimaging research in common neurological disorders such as movement disorders, dementia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis, and to evaluate their contribution in the diagnosis and management of patients.
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Stikov N, Boudreau M, Levesque IR, Tardif CL, Barral JK, Pike GB. On the accuracy of T1 mapping: searching for common ground. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:514-22. [PMID: 24578189 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are many T1 mapping methods available, each of them validated in phantoms and reporting excellent agreement with literature. However, values in literature vary greatly, with T1 in white matter ranging from 690 to 1100 ms at 3 Tesla. This brings into question the accuracy of one of the most fundamental measurements in quantitative MRI. Our goal was to explain these variations and look into ways of mitigating them. THEORY AND METHODS We evaluated the three most common T1 mapping methods (inversion recovery, Look-Locker, and variable flip angle) through Bloch simulations, a white matter phantom and the brains of 10 healthy subjects (single-slice). We pooled the T1 histograms of the subjects to determine whether there is a sequence-dependent bias and whether it is reproducible across subjects. RESULTS We found good agreement between the three methods in phantoms, but poor agreement in vivo, with the white matter T1 histogram peak in healthy subjects varying by more than 30% depending on the method used. We also found that the pooled brain histograms displayed three distinct white matter peaks, with Look-Locker consistently underestimating, and variable flip angle overestimating the inversion recovery T1 values. The Bloch simulations indicated that incomplete spoiling and inaccurate B1 mapping could account for the observed differences. CONCLUSION We conclude that the three most common T1 mapping protocols produce stable T1 values in phantoms, but not in vivo. To improve the accuracy of T1 mapping, we recommend that sites perform in vivo validation of their T1 mapping method against the inversion recovery reference method, as the first step toward developing a robust calibration scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Stikov
- McConnel Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Liu F, Chaudhary R, Hurley SA, Munoz Del Rio A, Alexander AL, Samsonov A, Block WF, Kijowski R. Rapid multicomponent T2 analysis of the articular cartilage of the human knee joint at 3.0T. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:1191-7. [PMID: 24115518 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the feasibility of using multicomponent-driven equilibrium single-shot observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) for evaluating the human knee joint at 3.0T and to investigate depth-dependent and regional-dependent variations in multicomponent T2 parameters within articular cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS mcDESPOT was performed on the knee joint of 10 asymptomatic volunteers at 3.0T. Single-component T2 relaxation time (T2single ), multicomponent T2 relaxation time for water tightly bound to proteoglycan (T2PG ) and bulk water loosely bound to the macromolecular matrix (T2BW ), and fraction of water tightly bound to proteoglycan (FPG ) were measured in eight cartilage subsections and within the superficial and deep layers of patellar cartilage. Statistical analysis was used to investigate depth-dependent and regional-dependent variations in parameters. RESULTS There was lower (P = 0.001) T2single and T2PG and higher (P < 0.001) FPG in the deep than superficial layer of patellar cartilage. There was higher (P < 0.001) FPG on the weight-bearing surfaces than nonweight-bearing surfaces. There was higher (P < 0.001) T2single , T2PG , and T2BW on the trochlea and posterior medial and lateral femoral condyles than the patella, central medial and lateral femoral condyles, and medial and lateral tibia plateaus. CONCLUSION Multicomponent T2 parameters of the articular cartilage of the human knee joint can be measured at 3.0T using mcDESPOT and show depth-dependent and regional-dependent variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Deoni SCL, Matthews L, Kolind SH. One component? Two components? Three? The effect of including a nonexchanging "free" water component in multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2. Magn Reson Med 2012; 70:147-54. [PMID: 22915316 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative myelin content imaging provides novel and pertinent information related to underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of myelin-related disease or disorders arising from aberrant connectivity. Multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 is a time-efficient multicomponent relaxation analysis technique that provides estimates of the myelin water fraction, a surrogate measure of myelin volume. Unfortunately, multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 relies on a two water-pool model (myelin-associated water and intra/extracellular water), which is inadequate within partial volume voxels, i.e., containing brain tissue and ventricle or meninges, resulting in myelin water fraction underestimation. To address this, a third, nonexchanging "free-water" component was introduced to the multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 model. Numerical simulations and experimental in vivo data show that the model to perform advantageously within partial volume regions while providing robust and reproducible results. It is concluded that this model is preferable for future studies and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C L Deoni
- Advanced Baby Imaging Lab, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
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13
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Cooper MA, Nguyen TD, Spincemaille P, Prince MR, Weinsaft JW, Wang Y. Flip angle profile correction for T₁ and T₂ quantification with look-locker inversion recovery 2D steady-state free precession imaging. Magn Reson Med 2012; 68:1579-85. [PMID: 22294428 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Fast methods using balanced steady-state free precession have been developed to reduce the scan time of T₁ and T₂ mapping. However, flip angle (FA) profiles created by the short radiofrequency pulses used in steady-state free precession deviate substantially from the ideal rectangular profile, causing T₁ and T₂ mapping errors. The purpose of this study was to develop a FA profile correction for T₁ and T₂ mapping with Look-Locker 2D inversion recovery steady-state free precession and to validate this method using 2D spin echo as a reference standard. Phantom studies showed consistent improvement in T₁ and T₂ accuracy using profile correction at multiple FAs. Over six human calves, profile correction provided muscle T₁ estimates with mean error ranging from excellent (-0.6%) at repetition time/FA = 18 ms/60° to acceptable (6.8%) at repetition time/FA = 4.9 ms/30°, while muscle T₂ estimates were less accurate with mean errors of 31.2% and 47.9%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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14
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Alexander AL, Hurley SA, Samsonov AA, Adluru N, Hosseinbor AP, Mossahebi P, Tromp DPM, Zakszewski E, Field AS. Characterization of cerebral white matter properties using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging stains. Brain Connect 2012; 1:423-46. [PMID: 22432902 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2011.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The image contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly sensitive to several mechanisms that are modulated by the properties of the tissue environment. The degree and type of contrast weighting may be viewed as image filters that accentuate specific tissue properties. Maps of quantitative measures of these mechanisms, akin to microstructural/environmental-specific tissue stains, may be generated to characterize the MRI and physiological properties of biological tissues. In this article, three quantitative MRI (qMRI) methods for characterizing white matter (WM) microstructural properties are reviewed. All of these measures measure complementary aspects of how water interacts with the tissue environment. Diffusion MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging, characterizes the diffusion of water in the tissues and is sensitive to the microstructural density, spacing, and orientational organization of tissue membranes, including myelin. Magnetization transfer imaging characterizes the amount and degree of magnetization exchange between free water and macromolecules like proteins found in the myelin bilayers. Relaxometry measures the MRI relaxation constants T1 and T2, which in WM have a component associated with the water trapped in the myelin bilayers. The conduction of signals between distant brain regions occurs primarily through myelinated WM tracts; thus, these methods are potential indicators of pathology and structural connectivity in the brain. This article provides an overview of the qMRI stain mechanisms, acquisition and analysis strategies, and applications for these qMRI stains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Alexander
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
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15
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Coolen BF, Geelen T, Paulis LEM, Nauerth A, Nicolay K, Strijkers GJ. Three-dimensional T1 mapping of the mouse heart using variable flip angle steady-state MR imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2011; 24:154-162. [PMID: 20960583 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac MR T(1) mapping is a promising quantitative imaging tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of cardiomyopathy. Here, we present a new preclinical cardiac MRI method enabling three-dimensional T(1) mapping of the mouse heart. The method is based on a variable flip angle analysis of steady-state MR imaging data. A retrospectively triggered three-dimensional FLASH (fast low-angle shot) sequence (3D IntraGate) enables a constant repetition time and maintains steady-state conditions. 3D T(1) mapping of the complete mouse heart could be achieved in 20 min. High-quality, bright-blood T(1) maps were obtained with homogeneous T(1) values (1764 ± 172 ms) throughout the myocardium. The repeatability coefficient of R(1) (1/T(1) ) in a specific region of the mouse heart was between 0.14 and 0.20 s(-1) , depending on the number of flip angles. The feasibility for detecting regional differences in ΔR(1) was shown with pre- and post-contrast T(1) mapping in mice with surgically induced myocardial infarction, for which ΔR(1) values up to 0.83 s(-1) were found in the infarct zone. The sequence was also investigated in black-blood mode, which, interestingly, showed a strong decrease in the apparent mean T(1) of healthy myocardium (905 ± 110 ms). This study shows that 3D T(1) mapping in the mouse heart is feasible and can be used to monitor regional changes in myocardial T(1), particularly in relation to pathology and in contrast-enhanced experiments to estimate local concentrations of (targeted) contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram F Coolen
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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16
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Preibisch C, Deichmann R. Influence of RF spoiling on the stability and accuracy of T1 mapping based on spoiled FLASH with varying flip angles. Magn Reson Med 2009; 61:125-35. [PMID: 19097220 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in quantitative T(1) mapping techniques for a variety of applications. Several methods for T(1) quantification have been described. The acquisition of two spoiled gradient-echo data sets with different flip angles allows for the calculation of T(1) maps with a high spatial resolution and a relatively short experimental duration. However, the method requires complete spoiling of transverse magnetization. To achieve this goal, RF spoiling has to be applied. In this work it is investigated whether common RF spoiling techniques are sufficiently effective to allow for accurate T(1) quantification. It is shown that for most phase increments the apparent T(1) can deviate considerably from the true value. Correct results may be achieved with phase increments of 118.2 degrees or 121.8 degrees. However, for these values the method suffers from instabilities. In contrast, stable results are obtained with a phase increment of 50 degrees. An algorithm is presented that allows for the calculation of corrected T(1) maps from the apparent values. The method is tested both in phantom experiments and in vivo by acquiring whole-brain T(1) maps of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Preibisch
- Brain Imaging Center, University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
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17
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Deoni SCL, Rutt BK, Arun T, Pierpaoli C, Jones DK. Gleaning multicomponent T1 and T2 information from steady-state imaging data. Magn Reson Med 2009; 60:1372-87. [PMID: 19025904 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.21704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The driven-equilibrium single-pulse observation of T(1) (DESPOT1) and T(2) (DESPOT2) are rapid, accurate, and precise methods for voxelwise determination of the longitudinal and transverse relaxation times. A limitation of the methods, however, is the inherent assumption of single-component relaxation. In a variety of biological tissues, in particular human white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM), the relaxation has been shown to be more completely characterized by a summation of two or more relaxation components, or species, each believed to be associated with unique microanatomical domains or water pools. Unfortunately, characterization of these components on a voxelwise, whole-brain basis has traditionally been hindered by impractical acquisition times. In this work we extend the conventional DESPOT1 and DESPOT2 approaches to include multicomponent relaxation analysis. Following numerical analysis of the new technique, renamed multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T(1)/T(2) (mcDESPOT), whole-brain multicomponent T(1) and T(2) quantification is demonstrated in vivo with clinically realistic times of between 16 and 30 min. Results obtained from four healthy individuals and two primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients demonstrate the future potential of the approach for identifying and assessing tissue changes associated with several neurodegenerative conditions, in particular those associated with WM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C L Deoni
- Centre for Neuroimaging Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London UK.
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18
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Vidarsson L, Helm E, O'Brodovich H, Macgowan CK. Visualizing water clearance in the lung with MRI. Magn Reson Med 2008; 60:230-5. [PMID: 18581395 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.21644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Current indirect measurements of alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) suggest that the rate of fluid clearance correlates with morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary edema. In a traditional AFC-measurement, fluid laced with a tracer macromolecule is instilled into the lung and thereafter repeated samples of the instilled fluid are extracted from the lung's fluid-filled airspaces. The change in concentration of the tracer molecule indicates the AFC-rate. In this work, a new MRI technique was developed to image lung water clearance by adding Gadolinium-DTPA to the instilled fluid. As fluid is absorbed by the animal, the concentration of gadolinium will increase, reducing the T(1) relaxation time. By repeatedly measuring the T(1) relaxation time, the AFC can be tracked over time with high spatial resolution. The new technique was tested both in phantoms and 10 Yorkshire piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logi Vidarsson
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children and The University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Deoni SCL, Rutt BK, Jones DK. Investigating exchange and multicomponent relaxation in fully-balanced steady-state free precession imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2008; 27:1421-9. [PMID: 18504765 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.21079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of chemical exchange and multicomponent relaxation on the rapid T(2) mapping method, DESPOT2 (driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T(2)) and the steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence upon which it is based. Although capable of rapid T(2) determination, an assumption implicit of the method is single-component relaxation. In many biological tissues (such as white and gray matter), it is well established that the T(2) decay curve is more accurately described by the summation of more than one relaxation species. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of exchange were first incorporated into the general SSFP magnetization expressions and its effect on the measured SSFP signal investigated using Bloch-McConnell simulations. Corresponding imaging experiments were performed to support the presented theory. RESULTS Simulations show the measured multicomponent SSFP signal may be expressed as a linear summation of signal from each species under usual imaging conditions where the repetition time is much less than T(2). Imaging experiments performed using dairy cream demonstrate strong agreement with the presented theory. Finally, using a dairy cream model, we demonstrate quantification of multicomponent relaxation from multiangle SSFP data for the first time, showing good agreement with reference spin-echo values. CONCLUSION SSFP and DESPOT2 may provide a new method for investigating multicomponent systems, such as human brain, and disease processes, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C L Deoni
- Centre for Neuroimaging Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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