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Baker RR, Muthurangu V, Rega M, Montalt‐Tordera J, Rot S, Solanky BS, Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott CAM, Walsh SB, Steeden JA. 2D sodium MRI of the human calf using half-sinc excitation pulses and compressed sensing. Magn Reson Med 2024; 91:325-336. [PMID: 37799019 PMCID: PMC10962573 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sodium MRI can be used to quantify tissue sodium concentration (TSC) in vivo; however, UTE sequences are required to capture the rapidly decaying signal. 2D MRI enables high in-plane resolution but typically has long TEs. Half-sinc excitation may enable UTE; however, twice as many readouts are necessary. Scan time can be minimized by reducing the number of signal averages (NSAs), but at a cost to SNR. We propose using compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate 2D half-sinc acquisitions while maintaining SNR and TSC. METHODS Ex vivo and in vivo TSC were compared between 2D spiral sequences with full-sinc (TE = 0.73 ms, scan time ≈ 5 min) and half-sinc excitation (TE = 0.23 ms, scan time ≈ 10 min), with 150 NSAs. Ex vivo, these were compared to a reference 3D sequence (TE = 0.22 ms, scan time ≈ 24 min). To investigate shortening 2D scan times, half-sinc data was retrospectively reconstructed with fewer NSAs, comparing a nonuniform fast Fourier transform to CS. Resultant TSC and image quality were compared to reference 150 NSAs nonuniform fast Fourier transform images. RESULTS TSC was significantly higher from half-sinc than from full-sinc acquisitions, ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo, half-sinc data more closely matched the reference 3D sequence, indicating improved accuracy. In silico modeling confirmed this was due to shorter TEs minimizing bias caused by relaxation differences between phantoms and tissue. CS was successfully applied to in vivo, half-sinc data, maintaining TSC and image quality (estimated SNR, edge sharpness, and qualitative metrics) with ≥50 NSAs. CONCLUSION 2D sodium MRI with half-sinc excitation and CS was validated, enabling TSC quantification with 2.25 × 2.25 mm2 resolution and scan times of ≤5 mins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R. Baker
- UCL Centre for Translational Cardiovascular ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Vivek Muthurangu
- UCL Centre for Translational Cardiovascular ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Marilena Rega
- Institute of Nuclear MedicineUniversity College HospitalLondonUK
| | | | - Samuel Rot
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Bhavana S. Solanky
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Claudia A. M. Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
- Digital Neuroscience Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
| | | | - Jennifer A. Steeden
- UCL Centre for Translational Cardiovascular ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Gast LV, Platt T, Nagel AM, Gerhalter T. Recent technical developments and clinical research applications of sodium ( 23Na) MRI. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 138-139:1-51. [PMID: 38065665 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Sodium is an essential ion that plays a central role in many physiological processes including the transmembrane electrochemical gradient and the maintenance of the body's homeostasis. Due to the crucial role of sodium in the human body, the sodium nucleus is a promising candidate for non-invasively assessing (patho-)physiological changes. Almost 10 years ago, Madelin et al. provided a comprehensive review of methods and applications of sodium (23Na) MRI (Madelin et al., 2014) [1]. More recent review articles have focused mainly on specific applications of 23Na MRI. For example, several articles covered 23Na MRI applications for diseases such as osteoarthritis (Zbyn et al., 2016, Zaric et al., 2020) [2,3], multiple sclerosis (Petracca et al., 2016, Huhn et al., 2019) [4,5] and brain tumors (Schepkin, 2016) [6], or for imaging certain organs such as the kidneys (Zollner et al., 2016) [7], the brain (Shah et al., 2016, Thulborn et al., 2018) [8,9], and the heart (Bottomley, 2016) [10]. Other articles have reviewed technical developments such as radiofrequency (RF) coils for 23Na MRI (Wiggins et al., 2016, Bangerter et al., 2016) [11,12], pulse sequences (Konstandin et al., 2014) [13], image reconstruction methods (Chen et al., 2021) [14], and interleaved/simultaneous imaging techniques (Lopez Kolkovsky et al., 2022) [15]. In addition, 23Na MRI topics have been covered in review articles with broader topics such as multinuclear MRI or ultra-high-field MRI (Niesporek et al., 2019, Hu et al., 2019, Ladd et al., 2018) [16-18]. During the past decade, various research groups have continued working on technical improvements to sodium MRI and have investigated its potential to serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Clinical research applications of 23Na MRI have covered a broad spectrum of diseases, mainly focusing on the brain, cartilage, and skeletal muscle (see Fig. 1). In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of methodological and hardware developments, as well as a review of various clinical research applications of sodium (23Na) MRI in the last decade (i.e., published from the beginning of 2013 to the end of 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena V Gast
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Tanja Platt
- Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Teresa Gerhalter
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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Ridley B, Morsillo F, Zaaraoui W, Nonino F. Variability by region and method in human brain sodium concentrations estimated by 23Na magnetic resonance imaging: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3222. [PMID: 36828873 PMCID: PMC9957999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium imaging (23Na-MRI) is of interest in neurological conditions given potential sensitivity to the physiological and metabolic status of tissues. Benchmarks have so far been restricted to parenchyma or grey/white matter (GM/WM). We investigate (1) the availability of evidence, (2) regional pooled estimates and (3) variability attributable to region/methodology. MEDLINE literature search for tissue sodium concentration (TSC) measured in specified 'healthy' brain regions returned 127 reports, plus 278 retrieved from bibliographies. 28 studies met inclusion criteria, including 400 individuals. Reporting variability led to nested data structure, so we used multilevel meta-analysis and a random effects model to pool effect sizes. The pooled mean from 141 TSC estimates was 40.51 mM (95% CI 37.59-43.44; p < 0.001, I2Total=99.4%). Tissue as a moderator was significant (F214 = 65.34, p-val < .01). Six sub-regional pooled means with requisite statistical power were derived. We were unable to consider most methodological and demographic factors sought because of non-reporting, but each factor included beyond tissue improved model fit. Significant residual heterogeneity remained. The current estimates provide an empirical point of departure for better understanding in 23Na-MRI. Improving on current estimates supports: (1) larger, more representative data collection/sharing, including (2) regional data, and (3) agreement on full reporting standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ridley
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Ben Ridley, Epidemiologia e Statistica, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Padiglione G, Via Altura, 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Filomena Morsillo
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Wafaa Zaaraoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de La Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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4
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Bajwa AA, Neubauer A, Schwerter M, Schilling L. 23Na chemical shift imaging in the living rat brain using a chemical shift agent, Tm[DOTP] 5. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 36:107-118. [PMID: 36053432 PMCID: PMC9992022 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-022-01040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well known that the use of shift reagents (SRs) in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies is substantially limited by an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB). The current study aims to develop a method enabling chemical shift imaging in the living rat brain under physiological conditions using an SR, Tm[DOTP]5-. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hyperosmotic mannitol bolus injection followed by 60 min infusion of a Tm[DOTP]5- containing solution was administered via a catheter inserted into an internal carotid artery. We monitored the homeostasis of physiological parameters, and we measured the thulium content in brain tissue post mortem using total reflection fluorescence spectroscopy (T-XRF). The alterations of the 23Na resonance spectrum were followed in a 9.4T small animal scanner. RESULTS Based on the T-XRF measurements, the thulium concentration was estimated at 2.3 ± 1.8 mM in the brain interstitial space. Spectroscopic imaging showed a split of the 23Na resonance peak which became visible 20 min after starting the infusion. Chemical shift imaging revealed a significant decrease of the initial intensity level to 0.915 ± 0.058 at the end of infusion. CONCLUSION Our novel protocol showed bulk accumulation of Tm[DOTP]5- thus enabling separation of the extra-/intracellular 23Na signal components in the living rat brain while maintaining physiological homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awais A Bajwa
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Department of Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Schwerter
- Department of Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lothar Schilling
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. .,European Center of Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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5
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Adlung A, Licht C, Reichert S, Özdemir S, Mohamed SA, Samartzi M, Fatar M, Gass A, Prost EN, Schad LR. Quantification of tissue sodium concentration in the ischemic stroke: A comparison between external and internal references for 23Na MRI. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 382:109721. [PMID: 36202191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Adlung
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany.
| | - Christian Licht
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Simon Reichert
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Safa Özdemir
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Sherif A Mohamed
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melina Samartzi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Marc Fatar
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Achim Gass
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Eva Neumaier Prost
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Lothar R Schad
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
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Wilferth T, Mennecke A, Gast LV, Lachner S, Müller M, Rothhammer V, Huhn K, Uder M, Doerfler A, Nagel AM, Schmidt M. Quantitative 7T sodium magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain using a 32-channel phased-array head coil: Application to patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 35:e4806. [PMID: 35892310 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Apparent tissue sodium concentrations (aTSCs) determined by 23 Na brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have the potential to serve as a biomarker in pathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the quantification is hindered by the intrinsically low signal-to-noise ratio of 23 Na MRI. The purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy and reliability of quantitative 23 Na brain MRI by implementing a dedicated postprocessing pipeline and to evaluate the applicability of the developed approach for the examination of MS patients. 23 Na brain MRI measurements of 13 healthy volunteers and 17 patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) were performed at 7 T using a dual-tuned 23 Na/1 H birdcage coil with a receive-only 32-channel phased array. The aTSC values were determined for normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and normal appearing gray matter (NAGM) in healthy subjects and SPMS patients. Signal intensities were normalized using the mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sodium concentration determined in 37 separate patients receiving a spinal tap for routine diagnostic purposes. Five volunteers underwent MRI examinations three times in a row to assess repeatability. Coefficients of variation (CoVs) were used to quantify the repeatability of the proposed method. aTSC values were compared regarding brain regions and subject cohort using the paired-samples Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Laboratory CSF sodium concentration did not differ significantly between patients without and with MS (p = 0.42). The proposed quantification workflow for 23 Na MRI was highly repeatable with CoVs averaged over all five volunteers of 1.9% ± 0.9% for NAWM and 2.2% ± 1.6% for NAGM. Average NAWM aTSC was significantly higher in patients with SPMS compared with the control group (p = 0.009). Average NAGM aTSC did not differ significantly between healthy volunteers and MS patients (p = 0.98). The proposed postprocessing pipeline shows high repeatability and the results can serve as a baseline for further studies establishing 23 Na brain MRI as a biomarker in diseases such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wilferth
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Angelika Mennecke
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena V Gast
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lachner
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Max Müller
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Konstantin Huhn
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Uder
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arnd Doerfler
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Schmidt
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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7
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Krahe J, Dogan I, Didszun C, Mirzazade S, Haeger A, Joni Shah N, Giordano IA, Klockgether T, Madelin G, Schulz JB, Romanzetti S, Reetz K. Increased brain tissue sodium concentration in Friedreich ataxia: A multimodal MR imaging study. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 34:103025. [PMID: 35500368 PMCID: PMC9065922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with Friedreich ataxia, structural MRI is typically used to detect abnormalities primarily in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. The aim of the present study was to additionally investigate possible metabolic changes in Friedreich ataxia using in vivo sodium MRI that may precede macroanatomical alterations, and to explore potential associations with clinical parameters of disease progression. Tissue sodium concentration across the whole brain was estimated from sodium MRI maps acquired at 3 T and compared between 24 patients with Friedreich ataxia (21-57 years old, 13 females) and 23 controls (21-60 years old, 12 females). Tensor-based morphometry was used to assess volumetric changes. Total sodium concentrations and volumetric data in brainstem and cerebellum were correlated with clinical parameters, such as severity of ataxia, activity of daily living and disability stage, age, age at onset, and disease duration. Compared to controls, patients showed reduced brain volume in the right cerebellar lobules I-V (difference in means: -0.039% of total intracranial volume [TICV]; Cohen's d = 0.83), cerebellar white matter (WM) (-0.105%TICV; d = 1.16), and brainstem (-0.167%TICV; d = 1.22), including pons (-0.102%TICV; d = 1.00), medulla (-0.036%TICV; d = 1.72), and midbrain (-0.028%TICV; d = 1.05). Increased sodium concentration was additionally detected in the total cerebellum (difference in means: 2.865 mmol; d = 0.68), and in several subregions with highest effect sizes in left (5.284 mmol; d = 1.01) and right cerebellar lobules I-V (5.456 mmol; d = 1.00), followed by increases in the vermis (4.261 mmol; d = 0.72), and in left (2.988 mmol; d = 0.67) and right lobules VI-VII (2.816 mmol; d = 0.68). In addition, sodium increases were also detected in all brainstem areas (3.807 mmol; d = 0.71 to 5.42 mmol; d = 1.19). After controlling for age, elevated total sodium concentrations in right cerebellar lobules IV were associated with younger age at onset (r = -0.43) and accordingly with longer disease duration in patients (r = 0.43). Our findings support the potential of in vivo sodium MRI to detect metabolic changes of increased total sodium concentration in the cerebellum and brainstem, the key regions in Friedreich ataxia. In addition to structural changes, sodium changes were present in cerebellar hemispheres and vermis without concomitant significant atrophy. Given the association with age at disease onset or disease duration, metabolic changes should be further investigated longitudinally and in larger cohorts of early disease stages to determine the usefulness of sodium MRI as a biomarker for early neuropathological changes in Friedreich ataxia and efficacy measure for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Krahe
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Shahram Mirzazade
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexa Haeger
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nadim Joni Shah
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4 (INM-4), Research Centre Juelich GmbH, 52428 Juelich, Germany,Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, and Monash Biomedical Imaging, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ilaria A. Giordano
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Guillaume Madelin
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY10016, USA
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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8
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Hagiwara A, Bydder M, Oughourlian TC, Yao J, Salamon N, Jahan R, Villablanca JP, Enzmann DR, Ellingson BM. Sodium MR Neuroimaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1920-1926. [PMID: 34446457 PMCID: PMC8583254 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sodium MR imaging has the potential to complement routine proton MR imaging examinations with the goal of improving diagnosis, disease characterization, and clinical monitoring in neurologic diseases. In the past, the utility and exploration of sodium MR imaging as a valuable clinical tool have been limited due to the extremely low MR signal, but with recent improvements in imaging techniques and hardware, sodium MR imaging is on the verge of becoming clinically realistic for conditions that include brain tumors, ischemic stroke, and epilepsy. In this review, we briefly describe the fundamental physics of sodium MR imaging tailored to the neuroradiologist, focusing on the basics necessary to understand factors that play into making sodium MR imaging feasible for clinical settings and describing current controversies in the field. We will also discuss the current state of the field and the potential future clinical uses of sodium MR imaging in the diagnosis, phenotyping, and therapeutic monitoring in neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hagiwara
- From the UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (A.H., M.B., T.C.O., J.Y., B.M.E.), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - M Bydder
- From the UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (A.H., M.B., T.C.O., J.Y., B.M.E.), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - T C Oughourlian
- From the UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (A.H., M.B., T.C.O., J.Y., B.M.E.), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program (T.C.O., B.M.E.)
| | - J Yao
- From the UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (A.H., M.B., T.C.O., J.Y., B.M.E.), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers
- Department of Bioengineering (J.Y., B.M.E.), Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - N Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - R Jahan
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - J P Villablanca
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - D R Enzmann
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
| | - B M Ellingson
- From the UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (A.H., M.B., T.C.O., J.Y., B.M.E.), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers
- Department of Bioengineering (J.Y., B.M.E.), Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiological Sciences (A.H., M.B., J.Y., N.S., R.J., J.P.V., D.R.E., B.M.E.)
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program (T.C.O., B.M.E.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (B.M.E.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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9
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Zhao Y, Guo R, Li Y, Thulborn KR, Liang ZP. High-resolution sodium imaging using anatomical and sparsity constraints for denoising and recovery of novel features. Magn Reson Med 2021; 86:625-636. [PMID: 33764583 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and evaluate a novel method for reconstruction of high-quality sodium MR images from noisy, limited k-space data. THEORY AND METHODS A novel reconstruction method was developed for reconstruction of high-quality sodium images from noisy, limited k-space data. This method is based on a novel image model that contains a motion-compensated generalized series model and a sparse model. The motion-compensated generalized series model enables effective use of anatomical information from a proton image for denoising and resolution enhancement of sodium data, whereas the sparse model enables high-resolution reconstruction of sodium-dependent novel features. The underlying model estimation problems were solved efficiently using convex optimization algorithms. RESULTS The proposed method has been evaluated using both simulation and experimental data obtained from phantoms, healthy human volunteers, and tumor patients. Results showed a substantial improvement in spatial resolution and SNR over state-of-the-art reconstruction methods, including compressed sensing and anatomically constrained reconstruction methods. Quantitative tissue sodium concentration maps were obtained from both healthy volunteers and brain tumor patients. These tissue sodium concentration maps showed improved lesion fidelity and allowed accurate interrogation of small targets. CONCLUSION A new method has been developed to obtain high-resolution sodium images with good SNR at 3 T. The proposed method makes effective use of anatomical prior information for denoising, while using a sparse model synergistically to recover sodium-dependent novel features. Experimental results have been obtained to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high-quality tissue sodium concentration maps and their potential for improved detection of spatially heterogeneous responses of tumor to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhao
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rong Guo
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Yudu Li
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Keith R Thulborn
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhi-Pei Liang
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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10
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Kim S, Song J, Yoon J, Kim K, Chung J, Noh Y. Voxel-wise partial volume correction method for accurate estimation of tissue sodium concentration in 23 Na-MRI at 7 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4448. [PMID: 33270326 PMCID: PMC7816248 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sodium is crucial for the maintenance of cell physiology, and its regulation of the sodium-potassium pump has implications for various neurological conditions. The distribution of sodium concentrations in tissue can be quantitatively evaluated by means of sodium MRI (23 Na-MRI). Despite its usefulness in diagnosing particular disease conditions, tissue sodium concentration (TSC) estimated from 23 Na-MRI can be strongly biased by partial volume effects (PVEs) that are induced by broad point spread functions (PSFs) as well as tissue fraction effects. In this work, we aimed to propose a robust voxel-wise partial volume correction (PVC) method for 23 Na-MRI. The method is based on a linear regression (LR) approach to correct for tissue fraction effects, but it utilizes a 3D kernel combined with a modified least trimmed square (3D-mLTS) method in order to minimize regression-induced inherent smoothing effects. We acquired 23 Na-MRI data with conventional Cartesian sampling at 7 T, and spill-over effects due to the PSF were considered prior to correcting for tissue fraction effects using 3D-mLTS. In the simulation, we found that the TSCs of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were underestimated by 20% and 11% respectively without correcting tissue fraction effects, but the differences between ground truth and PVE-corrected data after the PVC using the 3D-mLTS method were only approximately 0.6% and 0.4% for GM and WM, respectively. The capability of the 3D-mLTS method was further demonstrated with in vivo 23 Na-MRI data, showing significantly lower regression errors (ie root mean squared error) as compared with conventional LR methods (p < 0.001). The results of simulation and in vivo experiments revealed that 3D-mLTS is superior for determining under- or overestimated TSCs while preserving anatomical details. This suggests that the 3D-mLTS method is well suited for the accurate determination of TSC, especially in small focal lesions associated with pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang‐Young Kim
- Neuroscience Research InstituteGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Song
- Neuroscience Research InstituteGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jong‐Hyun Yoon
- Neuroscience Research InstituteGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Kyoung‐Nam Kim
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jun‐Young Chung
- Neuroscience Research InstituteGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
- Department of NeuroscienceGachon University College of MedicineIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Young Noh
- Neuroscience Research InstituteGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Gil Medical CenterGachon University College of Medicin eIncheonRepublic of Korea
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11
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Riemer F, McHugh D, Zaccagna F, Lewis D, McLean MA, Graves MJ, Gilbert FJ, Parker GJ, Gallagher FA. Measuring tissue sodium concentration: Cross-vendor repeatability and reproducibility of 23 Na-MRI across two sites. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 50:1278-1284. [PMID: 30859655 PMCID: PMC6767101 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium MRI (23 Na-MRI)-derived biomarkers such as total sodium concentration (TSC) have the potential to provide information on tumor cellularity and the changes in tumor microstructure that occur following therapy. PURPOSE To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of TSC measurements in the brains of healthy volunteers, providing evidence for the technical validation of 23 Na-MRI-derived biomarkers. STUDY TYPE Prospective multicenter study. SUBJECTS Eleven volunteers (32 ± 6 years; eight males, three females) were scanned twice at each of two sites. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Comparable 3D-cones 23 Na-MRI ultrashort echo time acquisitions at 3T. ASSESSMENT TSC values, quantified from calibration phantoms placed in the field of view, were obtained from white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), based on automated segmentation of coregistered 1 H T1 -weighted images and hand-drawn regions of interest by two readers. STATISTICAL TESTS Coefficients of variation (CoVs) from mean TSC values were used to assess intrasite repeatability and intersite reproducibility. RESULTS Mean GM TSC concentrations (52.1 ± 7.1 mM) were ∼20% higher than for WM (41.8 ± 6.7 mM). Measurements were highly repeatable at both sites with mean scan-rescan CoVs between volunteers and regions of 2% and 4%, respectively. Mean intersite reproducibility CoVs were 3%, 3%, and 6% for WM, GM, and CSF, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION These results demonstrate technical validation of sodium MRI-derived biomarkers in healthy volunteers. We also show that comparable 23 Na imaging of the brain can be implemented across different sites and scanners with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1278-1284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Riemer
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
| | - Damien McHugh
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental PsychologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Fulvio Zaccagna
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
| | - Daniel Lewis
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
| | - Mary A. McLean
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Fiona J. Gilbert
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
| | - Geoff J.M. Parker
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental PsychologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Bioxydyn Ltd.ManchesterUK
| | - Ferdia A. Gallagher
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge & ManchesterUK
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12
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Driver ID, Stobbe RW, Wise RG, Beaulieu C. Venous contribution to sodium MRI in the human brain. Magn Reson Med 2019; 83:1331-1338. [PMID: 31556169 PMCID: PMC6972645 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sodium MRI shows great promise as a marker for cerebral metabolic dysfunction in stroke, brain tumor, and neurodegenerative pathologies. However, cerebral blood vessels, whose volume and function are perturbed in these pathologies, have elevated sodium concentrations relative to surrounding tissue. This study aims to assess whether this fluid compartment could bias measurements of tissue sodium using MRI. METHODS Density-weighted and B1 corrected sodium MRI of the brain was acquired in 9 healthy participants at 4.7T. Veins were identified using co-registered 1 H T 2 ∗ -weighted images and venous partial volume estimates were calculated by down-sampling the finer spatial resolution venous maps from the T 2 ∗ -weighted images to the coarser spatial resolution of the sodium data. Linear regressions of venous partial volume estimates and sodium signal were performed for regions of interest including just gray matter, just white matter, and all brain tissue. RESULTS Linear regression demonstrated a significant venous sodium contribution above the underlying tissue signal. The apparent venous sodium concentrations derived from regression were 65.8 ± 4.5 mM (all brain tissue), 71.0 ± 7.4 mM (gray matter), and 55.0 ± 4.7 mM (white matter). CONCLUSION Although the partial vein linear regression did not yield the expected sodium concentration in blood (~87 mM), likely the result of point spread function smearing, this regression highlights that blood compartments may bias brain tissue sodium signals across neurological conditions where blood volumes may differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Driver
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Robert W Stobbe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard G Wise
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Blunck Y, Kolbe SC, Moffat BA, Ordidge RJ, Cleary JO, Johnston LA. Compressed sensing effects on quantitative analysis of undersampled human brain sodium MRI. Magn Reson Med 2019; 83:1025-1033. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Blunck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit Department of Medicine and Radiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Scott C. Kolbe
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit Department of Medicine and Radiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Bradford A. Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit Department of Medicine and Radiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Roger J. Ordidge
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit Department of Medicine and Radiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Jon O. Cleary
- Department of Radiology Guy's and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Leigh A. Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit Department of Medicine and Radiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
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14
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Abstract
In this article, an overview of the current developments and research applications for non-proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ultrahigh magnetic fields (UHFs) is given. Due to technical and methodical advances, efficient MRI of physiologically relevant nuclei, such as Na, Cl, Cl, K, O, or P has become feasible and is of interest to obtain spatially and temporally resolved information that can be used for biomedical and diagnostic applications. Sodium (Na) MRI is the most widespread multinuclear imaging method with applications ranging over all regions of the human body. Na MRI yields the second largest in vivo NMR signal after the clinically used proton signal (H). However, other nuclei such as O and P (energy metabolism) or Cl and K (cell viability) are used in an increasing number of MRI studies at UHF. One major advancement has been the increased availability of whole-body MR scanners with UHFs (B0 ≥7T) expanding the range of detectable nuclei. Nevertheless, efforts in terms of pulse sequence and post-processing developments as well as hardware designs must be made to obtain valuable information in clinically feasible measurement times. This review summarizes the available methods in the field of non-proton UHF MRI, especially for Na MRI, as well as introduces potential applications in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian C Niesporek
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tanja Platt
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Liao Y, Lechea N, Magill AW, Worthoff WA, Gras V, Shah NJ. Correlation of quantitative conductivity mapping and total tissue sodium concentration at 3T/4T. Magn Reson Med 2019; 82:1518-1526. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
| | - Nazim Lechea
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
| | - Arthur W. Magill
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
| | - Wieland A. Worthoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
| | - Vincent Gras
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐4), Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM‐11) JARA, Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany
- JARA‐BRAIN‐Translational Medicine Aachen Germany
- Department of Neurology RWTH Aachen University Aachen Germany
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, School of Psychology Monash University Melbourne Australia
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16
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Coste A, Boumezbeur F, Vignaud A, Madelin G, Reetz K, Le Bihan D, Rabrait-Lerman C, Romanzetti S. Tissue sodium concentration and sodium T 1 mapping of the human brain at 3 T using a Variable Flip Angle method. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 58:116-124. [PMID: 30695720 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The state-of-the-art method to quantify sodium concentrations in vivo consists in a fully relaxed 3D spin-density (SD) weighted acquisition. Nevertheless, most sodium MRI clinical studies use short-TR SD acquisitions to reduce acquisition durations. We present a clinically viable implementation of the Variable Flip Angle (VFA) method for robust and clinically viable quantification of total sodium concentration (TSC) and longitudinal relaxation rates in vivo in human brain at 3 T. METHODS Two non-Cartesian steady-state spoiled ultrashort echo time (UTE) scans, performed at optimized flip angles, repetition time and pulse length determined under specific absorption rate constraints, are used to simultaneously compute T1 and total sodium concentration (TSC) maps using the VFA method. Images are reconstructed using the non-uniform Fast Fourier Transform algorithm and TSC maps are corrected for possible inhomogeneity of coil transmission and reception profiles. Fractioned acquisitions are used to correct for potential patient motion. TSC quantifications obtained using the VFA method are validated at first in comparison with a fully-relaxed SD acquisition in a calibration phantom. The robustness of similar VFA acquisitions are compared to the short-TR SD approach in vivo on seven healthy volunteers. RESULTS The VFA method resulted in consistent TSC and T1 estimates across our cohort of healthy subjects, with mean TSC of 38.1 ± 5.0 mmol/L and T1 of 39.2 ± 4.4 ms. These results are in agreement with previously reported values in literature TSC estimations and with the predictions of a 2-compartment model. However, the short-TR SD acquisition systematically underestimated the sodium concentration with a mean TSC of 31 ± 4.5 mmol/L. CONCLUSION The VFA method can be applied successfully to image sodium at 3 T in about 20 min and provides robust and intrinsically T1-corrected TSC maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Coste
- NeuroSpin, CEA DRF-ISVFJ, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Fawzi Boumezbeur
- NeuroSpin, CEA DRF-ISVFJ, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Alexandre Vignaud
- NeuroSpin, CEA DRF-ISVFJ, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Guillaume Madelin
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute of Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Denis Le Bihan
- NeuroSpin, CEA DRF-ISVFJ, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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17
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Worthoff WA, Shymanskaya A, Shah NJ. Relaxometry and quantification in simultaneously acquired single and triple quantum filtered sodium MRI. Magn Reson Med 2018; 81:303-315. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wieland A. Worthoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich Germany
| | - Aliaksandra Shymanskaya
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 11, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich Germany
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 11, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology; RWTH Aachen University; Aachen Germany
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18
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Ridley B, Nagel AM, Bydder M, Maarouf A, Stellmann JP, Gherib S, Verneuil J, Viout P, Guye M, Ranjeva JP, Zaaraoui W. Distribution of brain sodium long and short relaxation times and concentrations: a multi-echo ultra-high field 23Na MRI study. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29531255 PMCID: PMC5847519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium (23Na) MRI proffers the possibility of novel information for neurological research but also particular challenges. Uncertainty can arise in in vivo 23Na estimates from signal losses given the rapidity of T2* decay due to biexponential relaxation with both short (T2*short) and long (T2*long) components. We build on previous work by characterising the decay curve directly via multi-echo imaging at 7 T in 13 controls with the requisite number, distribution and range to assess the distribution of both in vivo T2*short and T2*long and in variation between grey and white matter, and subregions. By modelling the relationship between signal and reference concentration and applying it to in vivo 23Na-MRI signal, 23Na concentrations and apparent transverse relaxation times of different brain regions were measured for the first time. Relaxation components and concentrations differed substantially between regions of differing tissue composition, suggesting sensitivity of multi-echo 23Na-MRI toward features of tissue composition. As such, these results raise the prospect of multi-echo 23Na-MRI as an adjunct source of information on biochemical mechanisms in both physiological and pathophysiological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ridley
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France. .,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France.
| | - Armin M Nagel
- University Hospital Erlangen, Institute of Radiology, Erlangen, Germany.,Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Bydder
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Adil Maarouf
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Jan-Patrick Stellmann
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Soraya Gherib
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Jeremy Verneuil
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Viout
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Guye
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Ranjeva
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | - Wafaa Zaaraoui
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpitaux de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
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19
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Thulborn KR. Quantitative sodium MR imaging: A review of its evolving role in medicine. Neuroimage 2018; 168:250-268. [PMID: 27890804 PMCID: PMC5443706 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in humans has promised metabolic information that can improve medical management in important diseases. This technology has yet to find a role in clinical practice, lagging proton MR imaging by decades. This review covers the literature that demonstrates that this delay is explained by initial challenges of low sensitivity at low magnetic fields and the limited performance of gradients and electronics available in the 1980s. These constraints were removed by the introduction of 3T and now ultrahigh (≥7T) magnetic field scanners with superior gradients and electronics for proton MR imaging. New projection pulse sequence designs have greatly improved sodium acquisition efficiency. The increased field strength has provided the expected increased sensitivity to achieve resolutions acceptable for metabolic interpretation even in small target tissues. Consistency of quantification of the sodium MR image to provide metabolic parametric maps has been demonstrated by several different pulse sequences and calibration procedures. The vital roles of sodium ion in membrane transport and the extracellular matrix will be reviewed to indicate the broad opportunities that now exist for clinical sodium MR imaging. The final challenge is for the technology to be supplied on clinical ≥3T scanners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Thulborn
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1801 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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20
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Wang P, Deger MS, Kang H, Ikizler TA, Titze J, Gore JC. Sex differences in sodium deposition in human muscle and skin. Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 36:93-97. [PMID: 27989912 PMCID: PMC5222810 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate possible sex differences in the patterns of sodium deposition between muscle and skin using sodium MRI. A total of 38 subjects were examined for comparisons: 20 males, aged 25-79years with a median age of 51; 18 females, aged 38-66years, median age 53. All subjects underwent sodium MRI scans of the calf muscles together with cross sections through four calibration standards containing known sodium contents (10mM, 20mM, 30mM, and 40mM). Tissue sodium concentrations (TSC) in muscle and skin were then calculated by comparing signal intensities between tissues and reference standards using a linear analysis. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was applied to the ΔTSC (=TSCmuscle-TSCskin) series of males and females to examine if they were significantly different. Finally, a multiple linear regression was utilized to account for the effects from two potential confounders, age and body mass index (BMI). We found that sodium content appears to be higher in skin than in muscle for men, however women tend to have higher muscle sodium than skin sodium. This sex-relevant sodium deposition is statistically significant (P=3.10×10-5) by the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and this difference in distribution seems to be more reliable with increasing age. In the multiple linear regression, gender still has a statistically significant effect (P<1.0×10-4) on the difference between sodium deposition in muscle and skin, while taking the effects of age and BMI into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Muge Serpil Deger
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hakmook Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - T Alp Ikizler
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jens Titze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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21
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Budinger TF, Bird MD, Frydman L, Long JR, Mareci TH, Rooney WD, Rosen B, Schenck JF, Schepkin VD, Sherry AD, Sodickson DK, Springer CS, Thulborn KR, Uğurbil K, Wald LL. Toward 20 T magnetic resonance for human brain studies: opportunities for discovery and neuroscience rationale. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 29:617-39. [PMID: 27194154 PMCID: PMC5538368 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-016-0561-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An initiative to design and build magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) instruments at 14 T and beyond to 20 T has been underway since 2012. This initiative has been supported by 22 interested participants from the USA and Europe, of which 15 are authors of this review. Advances in high temperature superconductor materials, advances in cryocooling engineering, prospects for non-persistent mode stable magnets, and experiences gained from large-bore, high-field magnet engineering for the nuclear fusion endeavors support the feasibility of a human brain MRI and MRS system with 1 ppm homogeneity over at least a 16-cm diameter volume and a bore size of 68 cm. Twelve neuroscience opportunities are presented as well as an analysis of the biophysical and physiological effects to be investigated before exposing human subjects to the high fields of 14 T and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Budinger
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Mark D Bird
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lucio Frydman
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Joanna R Long
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas H Mareci
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Bruce Rosen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard, MA, USA
| | - John F Schenck
- General Electric Corporate Research, Schenectady, NY, USA
| | - Victor D Schepkin
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - A Dean Sherry
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lawrence L Wald
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard, MA, USA
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22
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Castets CR, Lefrançois W, Wecker D, Ribot EJ, Trotier AJ, Thiaudière E, Franconi JM, Miraux S. Fast 3D ultrashort echo-time spiral projection imaging using golden-angle: A flexible protocol for in vivo mouse imaging at high magnetic field. Magn Reson Med 2016; 77:1831-1840. [PMID: 27170060 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a fast three-dimensional (3D) k-space encoding method based on spiral projection imaging (SPI) with an interleaved golden-angle approach and to validate this novel sequence on small animal models. METHODS A disk-like trajectory, in which each disk contained spirals, was developed. The 3D encoding was performed by tilting the disks with a golden angle. The sharpness was first calculated at different T2* values. Then, the sharpness was measured on phantom using variable undersampling ratios. Finally, the sampling method was validated by whole brain time-of-flight angiography and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) enhanced free-breathing liver angiography on mouse. RESULTS The in vitro results demonstrated the robustness of the method for short T2* and high undersampling ratios. In vivo experiments showed the ability to properly detect small vessels in the brain with an acquisition time shorter than 1 min. Free-breathing mice liver angiography showed the insensitivity of this protocol toward motions and flow artifacts, and enabled the visualization of liver motion during breathing. CONCLUSIONS The method implemented here allowed fast 3D k-space sampling with a high undersampling ratio. Combining the advantages of center-out spirals with the flexibility of the golden angle approach could have major implications for real-time imaging. Magn Reson Med 77:1831-1840, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Castets
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - William Lefrançois
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Emeline J Ribot
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurélien J Trotier
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Eric Thiaudière
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Michel Franconi
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sylvain Miraux
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, Bordeaux, France.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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23
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Shah NJ, Worthoff WA, Langen KJ. Imaging of sodium in the brain: a brief review. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:162-174. [PMID: 26451752 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sodium-based MRI plays a vital role in the study of metabolism and can unveil valuable information about emerging and existing pathology--in particular in the human brain. Sodium is the second most abundant MR active nucleus in living tissue and, due to its quadrupolar nature, has magnetic properties not common to conventional proton MRI, which can reveal further insights, such as information on the compartmental distribution of intra- and extracellular sodium. Nevertheless, the use of sodium nuclei for imaging comes at the expense of a lower sensitivity and significantly reduced relaxation times, making in vivo sodium studies feasible only at high magnetic field strength and by the use of dedicated pulse sequences. Hybrid imaging combining sodium MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) simultaneously is a novel and promising approach to access information on dynamic metabolism with much increased, PET-derived specificity. Application of this new methodology is demonstrated herein using examples from tumour imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-4, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen and Jülich, Germany
| | - Wieland A Worthoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-4, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine-4, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen and Jülich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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24
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Zaric O, Pinker K, Zbyn S, Strasser B, Robinson S, Minarikova L, Gruber S, Farr A, Singer C, Helbich TH, Trattnig S, Bogner W. Quantitative Sodium MR Imaging at 7 T: Initial Results and Comparison with Diffusion-weighted Imaging in Patients with Breast Tumors. Radiology 2016; 280:39-48. [PMID: 27007803 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016151304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the clinical feasibility of a quantitative sodium 23 ((23)Na) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol developed for breast tumor assessment and to compare it with 7-T diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods Written informed consent in this institutional review board-approved study was obtained from eight healthy volunteers and 17 patients with 20 breast tumors (five benign, 15 malignant). To achieve the best image quality and reproducibility, the (23)Na sequence was optimized and tested on phantoms and healthy volunteers. For in vivo quantification of absolute tissue sodium concentration (TSC), an external phantom was used. Static magnetic field, or B0, and combined transmit and receive radiofrequency field, or B1, maps were acquired, and image quality, measurement reproducibility, and accuracy testing were performed. Bilateral (23)Na and DWI sequences were performed before contrast material-enhanced MR imaging in patients with breast tumors. TSC and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated and correlated for healthy glandular tissue and benign and malignant lesions. Results The (23)Na MR imaging protocol is feasible, with 1.5-mm in-plane resolution and 16-minute imaging time. Good image quality was achieved, with high reproducibility (mean TSC values ± standard deviation for the test, 36 mmol per kilogram of wet weight ± 2 [range, 34-37 mmol/kg]; for the retest, 37 mmol/kg ± 1 [range, 35-39 mmol/kg]; P = .610) and accuracy (r = 0.998, P < .001). TSC values in normal glandular and adipose breast tissue were 35 mmol/kg ± 3 and 18 mmol/kg ± 3, respectively. In malignant lesions (mean size, 31 mm ± 24; range, 6-92 mm), the TSC of 69 mmol/kg ± 10 was, on average, 49% higher than that in benign lesions (mean size, 14 mm ± 12; range, 6-35 mm), with a TSC of 47 mmol/kg ± 8 (P = .002). There were similar ADC differences between benign ([1.78 ± 0.23] × 10(-3) mm(2)/sec) and malignant ([1.03 ± 0.23] × 10(-3) mm(2)/sec) tumors (P = .002). ADC and TSC were inversely correlated (r = -0.881, P < .001). Conclusion Quantitative (23)Na MR imaging is clinically feasible, may provide good differentiation between malignant and benign breast lesions, and demonstrates an inverse correlation with ADC. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olgica Zaric
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Katja Pinker
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Stefan Zbyn
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Bernhard Strasser
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Simon Robinson
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Lenka Minarikova
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Stephan Gruber
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Alex Farr
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Christian Singer
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Thomas H Helbich
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Siegfried Trattnig
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
| | - Wolfgang Bogner
- From the MR Center of Excellence (MRCE), Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (O.Z., S.Z., B.S., S.R., L.M., S.G., S.T., W.B.), Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy (K.P., T.H.H.), and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.F., C.S.), Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria; and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Clinical Molecular MRI, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Vienna, Austria (S.T.)
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25
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de Bruin PW, Koken P, Versluis MJ, Aussenhofer SA, Meulenbelt I, Börnert P, Webb AG. Time-efficient interleaved human (23)Na and (1)H data acquisition at 7 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2015; 28:1228-1235. [PMID: 26269329 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a flexible and time-efficient interleaved imaging approach for the acquisition of proton and sodium images of the human knee at 7 T within a clinically relevant timescale. A flexible software framework was established which allowed the interleaving of multiple, different, fully specific absorption ratio (SAR)-validated scans. The system was able to switch between these different scans at flexible time points. The practical example presented consists of interleaved proton (Dixon imaging and T2* mapping) and sodium (mapping the sodium content and fluid-suppressed component separately) sequences with the key idea to perform proton MRI whilst the sodium nuclei relax towards thermal equilibrium, and vice versa. Comparisons were made between these four scans being acquired sequentially in the normal mode of scanner operation and those acquired in an interleaved fashion. Images acquired in the interleaved mode were very similar to those acquired in sequential scans with no image artifacts produced by the slight intra-sequence variation in steady-state magnetization. A reduction in scanning time of almost a factor of two was established using the interleaved scans, allowing such a protocol to be completed within 30 min. Phantom experiments and in vivo scans performed in healthy volunteers and in one patient proved the basic feasibility of this approach. This approach for the interleaving of multiple proton and sodium scans, each with different contrasts, is an efficient method for the design of new practical clinical protocols for sodium MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W de Bruin
- Radiology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Koken
- Philips Research Laboratories, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ingrid Meulenbelt
- Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Börnert
- Radiology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
- Philips Research Laboratories, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrew G Webb
- Radiology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
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26
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Niesporek SC, Hoffmann SH, Berger MC, Benkhedah N, Kujawa A, Bachert P, Nagel AM. Partial volume correction for in vivo 23 Na-MRI data of the human brain. Neuroimage 2015; 112:353-363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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27
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Mirkes C, Shajan G, Bause J, Buckenmaier K, Hoffmann J, Scheffler K. Triple-quantum-filtered sodium imaging at 9.4 Tesla. Magn Reson Med 2015; 75:1278-89. [PMID: 25846242 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Efficient acquisition of triple-quantum-filtered (TQF) sodium images at ultra-high field (UHF) strength. METHODS A three-pulse preparation and a stack of double-spirals were used for the acquisition of TQF images at 9.4 Tesla. The flip angles of the TQ preparation were smoothly reduced toward the edge of k-space along the partition-encoding direction. In doing so, the specific absorption rate could be reduced while preserving the maximal signal intensity for the partitions most relevant for image contrast in the center of k-space. Simulations, phantom and in vivo measurements were used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method. RESULTS A higher sensitivity (∼ 20%) was achieved compared to the standard acquisition without flip angle apodization. Signals from free sodium ions were successfully suppressed irrespective of the amount of apodization used. B0 corrected TQF images with a nominal resolution of 5 × 5 × 5 mm(3) and an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio could be acquired in vivo within 21 min. CONCLUSION Conventional TQF in combination with flip angle apodization permits to exploit more efficiently the increased sensitivity available at 9.4T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mirkes
- Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - G Shajan
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Bause
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Neural & Behavioural Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Buckenmaier
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Neural & Behavioural Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Scheffler
- Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Abstract
At ultra-high magnetic fields, such as 7T, MR imaging can noninvasively visualize the brain in unprecedented detail and through enhanced contrast mechanisms. The increased SNR and enhanced contrast available at 7T enable higher resolution anatomic and vascular imaging. Greater spectral separation improves detection and characterization of metabolites in spectroscopic imaging. Enhanced blood oxygen level-dependent contrast affords higher resolution functional MR imaging. Ultra-high-field MR imaging also facilitates imaging of nonproton nuclei such as sodium and phosphorus. These improved imaging methods may be applied to detect subtle anatomic, functional, and metabolic abnormalities associated with a wide range of neurologic disorders, including epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and psychiatric conditions. At 7T, however, physical and hardware limitations cause conventional MR imaging pulse sequences to generate artifacts, requiring specialized pulse sequences and new hardware solutions to maximize the high-field gain in signal and contrast. Practical considerations for ultra-high-field MR imaging include cost, siting, and patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Balchandani
- From the Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute (P.B.) Department of Radiology (P.B., T.P.N.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - T P Naidich
- Department of Radiology (P.B., T.P.N.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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29
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Konstandin S, Krämer P, Günther M, Schad LR. Sodium magnetic resonance imaging using ultra-short echo time sequences with anisotropic resolution and uniform k-space sampling. Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 33:319-27. [PMID: 25527394 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A method for uniform k-space sampling of 3D ultra-short echo time (UTE) techniques with anisotropic resolution in one direction is introduced to increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). State-of-the-art acquisition schemes for sodium MRI with radial (projection reconstruction) and twisting (twisted projection imaging (TPI)) trajectories are investigated regarding SNR efficiency, blurring behavior under T2(⁎) decay, and measurement time in case of anisotropic field-of-view and resolution. 3D radial and twisting trajectories are redistributed in k-space for UTE sodium MRI with homogeneous noise distribution and optimal SNR efficiency, if T2(⁎) decay can be neglected. Simulations based on Voronoi tessellations and phantom simulations/measurements were performed to calculate SNR efficiency. Point-spread functions were simulated to demonstrate the influence of T2(⁎) decay on SNR and resolution. Phantom simulations/measurements and in vivo measurements confirm the SNR gain obtained by simulations based on Voronoi cells. An increase in SNR of up to 21% at an anisotropy factor of 10 could be theoretically achieved by TPI with projection adaption compared to the same sequence but without redistribution of projections in k-space. Sodium MRI with anisotropic resolution and uniform k-space sampling is demonstrated by in vivo measurements of human intervertebral disks and heart at 3 T. The SNR gain can be invested in a measurement time reduction of up to 32%, which is important especially for sodium MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Konstandin
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; MR-Imaging and Spectroscopy, Faculty 01 (Physics/Electrical Engineering), University of Bremen, NW 1 Otto-Hahn-Allee 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Philipp Krämer
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias Günther
- MR-Imaging and Spectroscopy, Faculty 01 (Physics/Electrical Engineering), University of Bremen, NW 1 Otto-Hahn-Allee 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Fraunhofer MEVIS, Universitätsallee 29, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Lothar R Schad
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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30
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Qian Y, Panigrahy A, Laymon CM, Lee VK, Drappatz J, Lieberman FS, Boada FE, Mountz JM. Short-T 2 imaging for quantifying concentration of sodium ( 23 Na) of bi-exponential T 2 relaxation. Magn Reson Med 2014; 74:162-174. [PMID: 25078966 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work intends to demonstrate a new method for quantifying concentration of sodium (23 Na) of bi-exponential T2 relaxation in patients on MRI scanners at 3.0 Tesla. THEORY AND METHODS Two single-quantum (SQ) sodium images acquired at very-short and short echo times (TE = 0.5 and 5.0 ms) are subtracted to produce an image of the short-T2 component of the bi-exponential (or bound) sodium. An integrated calibration on the SQ and short-T2 images quantifies both total and bound sodium concentrations. Numerical models were used to evaluate signal response of the proposed method to the short-T2 components. MRI scans on agar phantoms and brain tumor patients were performed to assess accuracy and performance of the proposed method, in comparison with a conventional method of triple-quantum filtering. RESULTS A good linear relation (R2 = 0.98) was attained between the short-T2 image intensity and concentration of bound sodium. A reduced total scan time of 22 min was achieved under the SAR restriction for human studies in quantifying both total and bound sodium concentrations. CONCLUSION The proposed method is feasible for quantifying bound sodium concentration in routine clinical settings at 3.0 Tesla. Magn Reson Med 74:162-174, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxian Qian
- MR Research Center, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles M Laymon
- PET Center, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vincent K Lee
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jan Drappatz
- Department of Neurology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frank S Lieberman
- Department of Neurology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fernando E Boada
- Department of Radiology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - James M Mountz
- PET Center, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Romanzetti S, Mirkes CC, Fiege DP, Celik A, Felder J, Shah NJ. Mapping tissue sodium concentration in the human brain: a comparison of MR sequences at 9.4Tesla. Neuroimage 2014; 96:44-53. [PMID: 24721332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium is the second most abundant MR-active nucleus in the human body and is of fundamental importance for the function of cells. Previous studies have shown that many pathophysiological conditions induce an increase of the average tissue sodium concentration. To date, several MR sequences have been used to measure sodium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and suitability of five different MR sequences for quantitative sodium imaging on a whole-body 9.4Tesla MR scanner. Numerical simulations, phantom experiments and in vivo imaging on healthy subjects were carried out. The results demonstrate that, of these five sequences, the Twisted Projection Imaging sequence is optimal for quantitative sodium imaging, as it combines a number of features which are particularly relevant in order to obtain high quality quantitative images of sodium. These include: ultra-short echo times, efficient k-space sampling, and robustness against off-resonance effects. Mapping of sodium in the human brain is a technique not yet fully explored in neuroscience. Ultra-high field sodium MRI may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and may help to develop new and disease-specific biomarkers for the early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention before irreversible brain damage has taken place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Romanzetti
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Christian C Mirkes
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany; High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel P Fiege
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Avdo Celik
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jörg Felder
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - N Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Germany
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Gai ND, Rochitte C, Nacif MS, Bluemke DA. Optimized three-dimensional sodium imaging of the human heart on a clinical 3T scanner. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:623-32. [PMID: 24639022 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Optimization of sequence and sequence parameters to allow three-dimensional (3D) sodium imaging of the entire human heart in vivo in a clinically reasonable time. THEORY AND METHODS A stack of spirals pulse sequence was optimized for cardiac imaging by considering factors such as spoiling, nutation angles, repetition time, echo time, T1/T2 relaxation, off-resonance, data acquisition window, motion, and segmented k-space acquisition. Simulations based on Bloch equations as well as the exact trajectory used for data acquisition provided the basis for choice of parameter combinations for sodium imaging. Sodium phantom scanning was used to validate the choice of parameters and for corroboration with simulations. In vivo cardiac imaging in six volunteers was also performed with an optimized sequence. RESULTS Phantom studies showed good correlation with simulation results. Images obtained from human volunteers showed that the heart can be imaged with a nominal resolution of 5 × 5 × 10 mm(3) and with a signal-to-noise ratio >15 (in the septum) in about 6-10 minutes. Long axis views of the reformatted human heart show true 3D imaging capability. CONCLUSION Optimization of the sequence and its parameters allowed in vivo 3D sodium imaging of the entire human heart in a clinically reasonable time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville D Gai
- Radiology & Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kraff O, Fischer A, Nagel AM, Mönninghoff C, Ladd ME. MRI at 7 Tesla and above: demonstrated and potential capabilities. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 41:13-33. [PMID: 24478137 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With more than 40 installed MR systems worldwide operating at 7 Tesla or higher, ultra-high-field (UHF) imaging has been established as a platform for clinically oriented research in recent years. Along with technical developments that, in part, have also been successfully transferred to lower field strengths, MR imaging and spectroscopy at UHF have demonstrated capabilities and potentials for clinical diagnostics in a variety of studies. In terms of applications, this overview article focuses on already achieved advantages for in vivo imaging, i.e., in imaging the brain and joints of the musculoskeletal system, but also considers developments in body imaging, which is particularly challenging. Furthermore, new applications for clinical diagnostics such as X-nuclei imaging and spectroscopy, which only really become feasible at ultra-high magnetic fields, will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kraff
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Mirkes CC, Hoffmann J, Shajan G, Pohmann R, Scheffler K. High-resolution quantitative sodium imaging at 9.4 Tesla. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:342-51. [PMID: 24435910 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigation of the feasibility to perform high-resolution quantitative sodium imaging at 9.4 Tesla (T). METHODS A proton patch antenna was combined with a sodium birdcage coil to provide a proton signal without compromising the efficiency of the X-nucleus coil. Sodium density weighted images with a nominal resolution of 1 × 1 × 5 mm(3) were acquired within 30 min with an ultrashort echo time sequence. The methods used for signal calibration as well as for B0, B1, and off-resonance correction were verified on a phantom and five healthy volunteers. RESULTS An actual voxel volume of roughly 40 μL could be achieved at 9.4T, while maintaining an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (8 for brain tissue and 35 for cerebrospinal fluid). The measured mean sodium concentrations for gray and white matter were 36 ± 2 and 31 ± 1 mmol/L of wet tissue, which are comparable to values previously reported in the literature. CONCLUSION The reduction of partial volume effects is essential for accurate measurement of the sodium concentration in the human brain. Ultrahigh field imaging is a viable tool to achieve this goal due to its increased sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Mirkes
- Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - G Shajan
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Pohmann
- High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Scheffler
- Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,High-Field MR Center, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
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Lee KC, Lee YS, Huang GJ, Chan HL, Yu JF. A phantom and in vivo study of mice following an ischemic stroke using sodium MRI. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2013:1065-8. [PMID: 24109875 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2013.6609688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sodium is one of the essential indicators of cell viability in vivo. Regarding extant literature, sodium MRI is widely employed for various studies, including research on tumors, strokes, and neurocognition, because it can non-invasively provide data of physiological metabolism in vivo. Currently, strokes are among the 3 leading causes of death worldwide, and can be categorized as hemorrhagic or ischemic. Approximately 70% to 80% of stroke patients experience an ischemic stroke. Although numerous relevant studies have focused on larger animal models, such as rats, cats, and nonhuman primates, literature that employs mice experimental models is scarce. In this study, we conducted sodium MRI on the brains of mice after an ischemic stroke to observe sodium signal variations in the brain following this type of stroke. The findings indicated that the sodium signals in the brain regions affected by stroke were 2.3 times stronger than those in the lateral ventricles.
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Sodium ((23)Na) ultra-short echo time imaging in the human brain using a 3D-Cones trajectory. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 27:35-46. [PMID: 23900703 PMCID: PMC3912357 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-013-0395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Object Sodium magnetic resonance imaging (23Na-MRI) of the brain has shown changes in 23Na signal as a hallmark of various neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. To improve scan times and image quality, we have implemented the 3D-Cones (CN) sequence for in vivo 23Na brain MRI. Materials and methods Using signal-to-noise (SNR) as a measurement of sequence performance, CN is compared against more established 3D-radial k-space sampling schemes featuring cylindrical stack-of-stars (SOS) and 3D-spokes kooshball (KB) trajectories, on five healthy volunteers in a clinical setting. Resolution was evaluated by simulating the point-spread-functions (PSFs) and experimental measures on a phantom. Results All sequences were shown to have a similar SNR arbitrary units (AU) of 6–6.5 in brain white matter, 7–9 in gray matter and 17–18 AU in cerebrospinal fluid. SNR between white and gray matter were significantly different for KB and CN (p = 0.046 and <0.001 respectively), but not for SOS (p = 0.1). Group mean standard deviations were significantly smaller for CN (p = 0.016). Theoretical full-width at half-maximum linewidth of the PSF for CN is broadened by only 0.1, compared to 0.3 and 0.8 pixels for SOS and KB respectively. Actual image resolution is estimated as 8, 9 and 6.3 mm for SOS, KB and CN respectively. Conclusion The CN sequence provides stronger tissue contrast than both SOS and KB, with more reproducible SNR measurements compared to KB. For CN, a higher true resolution in the same amount of time with no significant trade-off in SNR is achieved. CN is therefore more suitable for 23Na-MRI in the brain.
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Konstandin S, Nagel AM. Measurement techniques for magnetic resonance imaging of fast relaxing nuclei. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 27:5-19. [PMID: 23881004 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-013-0394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review article, techniques for sodium ((23)Na) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are presented. These techniques can also be used to image other nuclei with short relaxation times (e.g., (39)K, (35)Cl, (17)O). Twisted projection imaging, density-adapted 3D projection reconstruction, and 3D cones are preferred because of uniform k-space sampling and ultra-short echo times. Sampling density weighted apodization can be applied if intrinsic filtering is desired. This approach leads to an increased signal-to-noise ratio compared to postfiltered acquisition in cases of short readout durations relative to T 2 (*) relaxation time. Different MR approaches for anisotropic resolution are presented, which are important for imaging of thin structures such as myocardium, cartilage, and skin. The third part of this review article describes different methods to put more weighting either on the intracellular or the extracellular sodium signal by means of contrast agents, relaxation-weighted imaging, or multiple-quantum filtering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Konstandin
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Madai VI, von Samson-Himmelstjerna FC, Bauer M, Stengl KL, Mutke MA, Tovar-Martinez E, Wuerfel J, Endres M, Niendorf T, Sobesky J. Ultrahigh-field MRI in human ischemic stroke--a 7 tesla study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37631. [PMID: 22701525 PMCID: PMC3365122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using field strengths up to 3 Tesla (T) has proven to be a powerful tool for stroke diagnosis. Recently, ultrahigh-field (UHF) MRI at 7 T has shown relevant diagnostic benefits in imaging of neurological diseases, but its value for stroke imaging has not been investigated yet. We present the first evaluation of a clinically feasible stroke imaging protocol at 7 T. For comparison an established stroke imaging protocol was applied at 3 T. Methods In a prospective imaging study seven patients with subacute and chronic stroke were included. Imaging at 3 T was immediately followed by 7 T imaging. Both protocols included T1-weighted 3D Magnetization-Prepared Rapid-Acquired Gradient-Echo (3D-MPRAGE), T2-weighted 2D Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (2D-FLAIR), T2-weighted 2D Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (2D-T2-TSE), T2* weighted 2D Fast Low Angle Shot Gradient Echo (2D-HemoFLASH) and 3D Time-of-Flight angiography (3D-TOF). Results The diagnostic information relevant for clinical stroke imaging obtained at 3 T was equally available at 7 T. Higher spatial resolution at 7 T revealed more anatomical details precisely depicting ischemic lesions and periinfarct alterations. A clear benefit in anatomical resolution was also demonstrated for vessel imaging at 7 T. RF power deposition constraints induced scan time prolongation and reduced brain coverage for 2D-FLAIR, 2D-T2-TSE and 3D-TOF at 7 T versus 3 T. Conclusions The potential of 7 T MRI for human stroke imaging is shown. Our pilot study encourages a further evaluation of the diagnostic benefit of stroke imaging at 7 T in a larger study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vince I. Madai
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Federico C. von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Ultra-High Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Bauer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina L. Stengl
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias A. Mutke
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Tovar-Martinez
- Berlin Ultra-High Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Wuerfel
- Berlin Ultra-High Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Neurocure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultra-High Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Sobesky
- Department of Neurology and Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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