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Koori N, Kamekawa H, Naito T, Takatsu Y, Fuse H, Miyakawa S, Yasue K, Takahashi M, Kurata K. Carotid and aortic plaque imaging using 3D gradient-echo imaging and the three-point Dixon method with improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE). Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 111:202-209. [PMID: 38547936 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We devised a method that combines the 3D-Dixon-gradientecho (GRE) method with an improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE) to suppress blood flow signals. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new method we developed plaque imaging method (3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method). STUDY TYPE Retrospective cohort. POPULATION Thirty-nine patients who underwent cervical plaque imaging. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T/3D-GRE. ASSESSMENT Signal intensities of the common carotid artery, aorta, plaque, muscle, and subcutaneous fat were measured through the VISTA and the 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE methods, and each contrast was calculated. STATISTICAL TEST Used the Mann Whitney U test. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Plaque and muscle contrast estimated through the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method was 1.60 ± 0.96 and 2.04 ± 1.06, respectively, (P < 0.05). The contrast between the flow (common carotid artery and Aorta) and muscle according to the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method was 0.24 ± 0.11 and 0.40 ± 0.12, respectively (P < 0.001). Finally, the mean contrast for subcutaneous fat and muscle at six locations was 3.05 ± 1.25 and 0.81 ± 0.23 for the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method, respectively (P < 0.001). DATA CONCLUSION Compared to the conventional method (VISTA), the 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method is preferable in relation to the fat suppression effect, but it is disadvantageous regarding blood flow signal suppression. Therefore, the 3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method could be considered useful for plaque imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Koori
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences 4669-2 Ami, Ibaraki 300-03, Japan; Division of Health Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Kamekawa
- Department of Radiology, Komaki City Hospital, 1-20 Jyoubushi, Komaki, Aichi 485-8520, Japan
| | - Takehiro Naito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Komaki City Hospital, 1-20 Jyoubushi, Komaki, Aichi 485-8520, Japan
| | - Yasuo Takatsu
- Division of Health Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0942, Japan; School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Molecular Imaging, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Hiraku Fuse
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences 4669-2 Ami, Ibaraki 300-03, Japan
| | - Shin Miyakawa
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences 4669-2 Ami, Ibaraki 300-03, Japan
| | - Kenji Yasue
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences 4669-2 Ami, Ibaraki 300-03, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences 4669-2 Ami, Ibaraki 300-03, Japan
| | - Kazuma Kurata
- Department of Radiology, Komaki City Hospital, 1-20 Jyoubushi, Komaki, Aichi 485-8520, Japan
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Sarabi MS, Ma SJ, Jann K, Ringman JM, Wang DJJ, Shi Y. Vessel density mapping of small cerebral vessels on 3D high resolution black blood MRI. Neuroimage 2024; 286:120504. [PMID: 38216104 PMCID: PMC10834860 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cerebral blood vessels are largely inaccessible to existing clinical in vivo imaging technologies. This study aims to present a novel analysis pipeline for vessel density mapping of small cerebral blood vessels from high-resolution 3D black-blood MRI at 3T. Twenty-eight subjects (10 under 35 years old, 18 over 60 years old) were imaged with the T1-weighted turbo spin-echo with variable flip angles (T1w TSE-VFA) sequence optimized for black-blood small vessel imaging with iso-0.5 mm spatial resolution (interpolated from 0.51×0.51×0.64 mm3) at 3T. Hessian-based vessel segmentation methods (Jerman, Frangi and Sato filter) were evaluated by vessel landmarks and manual annotation of lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs). Using optimized vessel segmentation, large vessel pruning and non-linear registration, a semiautomatic pipeline was proposed for quantification of small vessel density across brain regions and further for localized detection of small vessel changes across populations. Voxel-level statistics was performed to compare vessel density between two age groups. Additionally, local vessel density of aged subjects was correlated with their corresponding gross cognitive and executive function (EF) scores using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and EF composite scores compiled with Item Response Theory (IRT). Jerman filter showed better performance for vessel segmentation than Frangi and Sato filter which was employed in our pipeline. Small cerebral blood vessels including small artery, arterioles, small veins, and venules on the order of a few hundred microns can be delineated using the proposed analysis pipeline on 3D black-blood MRI at 3T. The mean vessel density across brain regions was significantly higher in young subjects compared to aged subjects. In the aged subjects, localized vessel density was positively correlated with MoCA and IRT EF scores. The proposed pipeline is able to segment, quantify, and detect localized differences in vessel density of small cerebral blood vessels based on 3D high-resolution black-blood MRI. This framework may serve as a tool for localized detection of small vessel density changes in normal aging and cerebral small vessel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Sharifi Sarabi
- USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2025 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Samantha J Ma
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kay Jann
- USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2025 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - John M Ringman
- Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Danny J J Wang
- USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2025 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yonggang Shi
- USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2025 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Ichinohe F, Oyama K, Yamada A, Hayashihara H, Adachi Y, Kitoh Y, Kanki Y, Maruyama K, Nickel MD, Fujinaga Y. Usefulness of Breath-Hold Fat-Suppressed T2-Weighted Images With Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction of the Liver: Comparison to Conventional Free-Breathing Turbo Spin Echo. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:373-379. [PMID: 36728880 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of breath-hold turbo spin echo with deep learning-based reconstruction (BH-DL-TSE) in acquiring fat-suppressed T2-weighted images (FS-T2WI) of the liver by comparing this method with conventional free-breathing turbo spin echo (FB-TSE) and breath-hold half Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo with deep learning-based reconstruction (BH-DL-HASTE). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study cohort comprised 111 patients with suspected liver disease who underwent 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. Fifty-eight focal solid liver lesions ≥10 mm were also evaluated. Three sets of FS-T2WI were acquired using FB-TSE, prototypical BH-DL-TSE, and prototypical BH-DL-HASTE, respectively. In the qualitative analysis, 2 radiologists evaluated the image quality using a 5-point scale. In the quantitative analysis, we calculated the lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratio (LEL-SIR). Friedman test and Dunn multiple comparison test were performed to assess differences among 3 types of FS-T2WI with respect to image quality and LEL-SIR. RESULTS The mean acquisition time was 4 minutes and 43 seconds ± 1 minute and 21 seconds (95% confidence interval, 4 minutes and 28 seconds to 4 minutes and 58 seconds) for FB-TSE, 40 seconds for BH-DL-TSE, and 20 seconds for BH-DL-HASTE. In the qualitative analysis, BH-DL-HASTE resulted in the fewest respiratory motion artifacts ( P < 0.0001). BH-DL-TSE and FB-TSE exhibited significantly less motion-related signal loss and clearer intrahepatic vessels than BH-DL-HASTE ( P < 0.0001). Regarding the edge sharpness of the left lobe, BH-DL-HASTE scored the highest ( P < 0.0001), and BH-DL-TSE scored higher than FB-TSE ( P = 0.0290). There were no significant differences among 3 types of FS-T2WI with respect to the edge sharpness of the right lobe ( P = 0.1290), lesion conspicuity ( P = 0.5292), and LEL-SIR ( P = 0.6026). CONCLUSIONS BH-DL-TSE provides a shorter acquisition time and comparable or better image quality than FB-TSE, and could replace FB-TSE in acquiring FS-T2WI of the liver. BH-DL-TSE and BH-DL-HASTE have their own advantages and may be used complementarily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihito Ichinohe
- From the Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Kazuki Oyama
- From the Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Akira Yamada
- From the Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Yasuo Adachi
- Radiology Division, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto
| | | | | | - Katsuya Maruyama
- MR Research and Collaboration Department, Siemens Healthcare K.K., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasunari Fujinaga
- From the Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine
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Tachikawa Y, Hamano H, Yoshikai H, Ikeda K, Maki Y, Hirata K, Takahashi Y, Matake K. Three-dimensional multicontrast blood imaging with a single acquisition: Simultaneous non-contrast-enhanced MRA and vessel wall imaging in the thoracic aorta. Magn Reson Med 2022; 88:617-632. [PMID: 35436368 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate MRA and vessel wall imaging (VWI) image quality in the thoracic aorta using a novel method named BRIDGE (bright and dark blood images with multishot gradient-echo EPI). METHODS The BRIDGE method consists of 3D multishot gradient-echo EPI acquisition using pulse gating, navigator gating, and magnetization preparation with a T2 -preparation pulse and a nonselective inversion-recovery pulse. The BRIDGE and conventional methods (noncontrast MRA based on 3D turbo-field-echo [TFE] and VWI based on 3D turbo spin echo with variable refocusing flip angle [VRFA-TSE]) were performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients. The SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and sharpness in the thoracic aorta were compared for MRA evaluation. The values of SNRlumen , SNRwall , CNRwall-lumen , contrast ratio (CR)lumen-muscle , coefficient of variation, sharpness, lumen area, and wall area in the thoracic aorta were compared for VWI evaluation. Two radiologists independently performed qualitative image-analysis assessments. RESULTS When MRA and VWI were acquired, the acquisition time was 26.6% to 27.8% shorter with BRIDGE than the conventional method. In the MRA evaluation, BRIDGE and TFE methods were comparable. In the VWI evaluation, BRIDGE was superior to the VRFA-TSE method in blood suppression and evaluation of the ascending aorta. Because the blood signal suppression of BRIDGE is based on the T1 value of blood, the blood signal can be suppressed more uniformly than with the VRFA-TSE method, regardless of age, blood flow velocity, or vascular anatomy. CONCLUSION The BRIDGE method can provide both MRA, to assess vascular anatomy and luminal changes, and VWI, to assess the vessel wall and detect vulnerable plaques, in a single scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tachikawa
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Hikaru Yoshikai
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Kento Ikeda
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Yasunori Maki
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Hirata
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Kunishige Matake
- Department of Radiology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
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Nonaka H, Masuda T, Yoneyama M, Tahara M, Okano M, Morikawa Y, Sanada K, Sato T. Pitfall for systemic artery aneurysms evaluation using electrocardiogram-gated subtracted three-dimensional fast spin echo sequence of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Kawasaki disease. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 17:1440-1444. [PMID: 35265237 PMCID: PMC8899111 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.01.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is described as a syndrome that causes both coronary and systemic artery aneurysms (SAAs). This report describes the pitfall for SAAs’ evaluation when using electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated subtracted three-dimensional fast spin echo (3D FSE) sequence of magnetic resonance imaging in KD patients. A 12-year-old male was diagnosed with KD at 3 months of age. We acquired ECG-gated 3D FSE images in the diastole and systole phases with coronal sections. Subtraction was then performed from diastolic phase imaging to systolic phase imaging. A 15.5 mm right axillary artery aneurysm and an 8.0 mm left axillary artery aneurysm were identified with ECG-gated 3D FSE in the diastolic phase. However, we observed signal loss in the right axillary artery aneurysm when subtraction was performed to selectively detect arteries; further, the brachial artery was poorly detected. ECG-gated subtracted 3D FSE sequence of magnetic resonance imaging can compromise the image quality of both aneurysm and peripheral artery images when detecting SAAs.
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Wada T, Tokunaga C, Togao O, Yoneyama M, Funatsu R, Yamashita Y, Kobayashi K, Kato T. Optimization of the refocusing flip angle in the characterization of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics using multi-spin echo acquisition cine imaging (MUSACI). Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 76:87-95. [PMID: 33232768 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multi-spin echo acquisition cine imaging (MUSACI) is a method used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics imaging based on the proton phase dispersion and flow void using 3D multi-spin echo imaging. In a previous study, the refocusing flip angle of MUSACI was set at a constant 80°. We conducted the present study to investigate the preservation the CSF signal intensity even in a long echo train and improve the ability to visualize CSF movement by modifying the refocusing flip angle in MUSACI. METHODS The MUSACI images were acquired in 10 healthy volunteers (7 men and 3 women; age range 24-44 years; mean age 29.4 ± 6.2 years) with a 3.0 Tesla MR scanner. Five refocusing flip angle sets were applied: constant 30°, constant 50°, constant 80°, pseudo-steady state (PSS) 50°-70°-100° (PSS50°), and PSS80°-100°-130° (PSS80°). In all sequences, the in-plane spatial resolution was 0.58 × 0.58 mm2, and the CSF movement for one heartbeat was drawn at 80-msec intervals. The signal intensity (SI) of CSF in the lateral ventricle, the foramen of Monro, the third ventricle, the fourth ventricle, and the pons was measured on MUSACI. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between the CSF SI and effective echo time (TE; TEeff) in the lateral ventricle. RESULTS Both antegrade and retrograde CSF movements on the midsagittal MUSACI images and the retrograde CSF movement in the foramen of Monro was observed in all sequences with the constant flip angles. A strong reverse correlation between the CSF SI in the lateral ventricle and TEeff values was observed with constant 30° (r = -0.96, p < 0.01), constant 50° (r = -0.97, p < 0.01) and constant 80° (r = -0.88, p < 0.01). A weak positive correlation was observed with PSS50° (r = 0.28, p = 0.43), and a moderate reverse correlation was observed at PSS80° (r = -0.60, p = 0.07). The SI values of the foramen of Monro, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle were significantly lower than that of the lateral ventricle, and those values were higher than that of the pons in both the constant 80° sequence and the PSS 50° sequence. CONCLUSION PSS50° could be the optimal flip angle scheme for MUSACI, because the SI changes due to CSF movement and the SI preservation due to a long echo train were large due to the use of the refocusing flip angle method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiro Wada
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Chiaki Tokunaga
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Osamu Togao
- Department of Molecular Imaging & Diagnosis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masami Yoneyama
- Philips Japan, 2-13-37, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8507, Japan
| | - Ryohei Funatsu
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yamashita
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kouji Kobayashi
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Toyoyuki Kato
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Fujimoto A, Aoba M, Machida Y. [Optimization of Echo Train Length in Non-contrast Enhanced MR Angiography for Clinical Examination of the Calf Arteries]. Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi 2020; 76:689-698. [PMID: 32684561 DOI: 10.6009/jjrt.2020_jjrt_76.7.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-contrast magnetic resonanse angiography (MRA) using the three-dimensional electrocardiogram-synchronized fast spin echo method uses systolic and diastolic arterial signal differences. The method relies on the flow void signal of the arterial flow because of dephasing during systole. However, depiction of slow flow such as that in a calf artery was degraded because of insufficient dephasing during systole. In this study, we optimized echo train length (ETL) using a flow phantom and normal volunteers for clinical examination of the calf arteries. METHODS Flow phantom and normal volunteer images were obtained with various ETLs (40, 50, 60, and 70). An averaged profile across the tube in the phantom was used for detailed investigation of flow dephasing. Visual evaluation was performed and signal intensity change along vessels was measured using normal volunteer images. Comparison with peak systolic velocity (PSV) measured using ultrasound equipment was also conducted. RESULTS Results of the flow phantom and normal volunteer study indicated that the overall depictability was improved with ETL 60 and 70, which was higher than the standard value. Additionally, the visualization of the peroneal artery with low PSV of ETL 70 had better depictability than ETL 60. CONCLUSION This study suggested that ETL 70 might be better for clinical examination of the calf arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Fujimoto
- Department of Radiology, Maizuru Kyosai Hospital
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Minami Aoba
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
- Department of Radiology, Akita Kousei Medical Center
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Matsumoto K, Yokota H, Mukai H, Ebata R, Saito N, Shimokawa K, Yoda T, Masuda Y, Uno T, Miyati T. Coronary vessel wall visualization via three-dimensional turbo spin-echo black blood imaging in Kawasaki disease. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 62:159-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Characterization of lenticulostriate arteries with high resolution black-blood T1-weighted turbo spin echo with variable flip angles at 3 and 7 Tesla. Neuroimage 2019; 199:184-193. [PMID: 31158475 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) with small diameters of a few hundred microns take origin directly from the high flow middle cerebral artery (MCA), making them especially susceptible to damage (e.g. by hypertension). This study aims to present high resolution (isotropic ∼0.5 mm), black blood MRI for the visualization and characterization of LSAs at both 3 T and 7 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS T1-weighted 3D turbo spin-echo with variable flip angles (T1w TSE-VFA) sequences were optimized for the visualization of LSAs by performing extended phase graph (EPG) simulations. Twenty healthy volunteers (15 under 35 years old, 5 over 60 years old) were imaged with the T1w TSE-VFA sequences at both 3 T and 7 T. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was quantified, and LSAs were manually segmented using ITK-SNAP. Automated Reeb graph shape analysis was performed to extract features including vessel length and tortuosity. All quantitative metrics were compared between the two field strengths and two age groups using ANOVA. RESULTS LSAs can be clearly delineated using optimized 3D T1w TSE-VFA at 3 T and 7 T, and a greater number of LSA branches can be detected compared to those by time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) at 7 T. The CNR of LSAs was comparable between 7 T and 3 T. T1w TSE-VFA showed significantly higher CNR than TOF MRA at the stem portion of the LSAs branching off the medial middle cerebral artery. The mean vessel length and tortuosity were greater on TOF MRA compared to TSE-VFA. The number of detected LSAs by both TSE-VFA and TOF MRA was significantly reduced in aged subjects, while the mean vessel length measured on 7 T TSE-VFA showed significant difference between the two age groups. CONCLUSION The high-resolution black-blood 3D T1w TSE-VFA sequence offers a new method for the visualization and quantification of LSAs at both 3 T and 7 T, which may be applied for a number of pathological conditions related to the damage of LSAs.
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Maruyama H, Fujiwara Y, Sakemoto T. [Optimization of Fat Suppression Technique and Imaging Parameters for MR Neurography Using 3D Turbo Spin Echo with Variable Refocusing Flip Angle at 3.0 T: Visualization of Brachial Plexus]. Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi 2019; 75:143-150. [PMID: 30787220 DOI: 10.6009/jjrt.2019_jsrt_75.2.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been used to evaluate abnormal conditions of entire nerves and nerve bundles. A fat-suppressed 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence is one of the imaging techniques for MRN, which has been widely adopted at 1.5 T. However, MRN of the brachial plexus using a 3D TSE sequence with short-term inversion recovery (STIR) reduces the effect of fat suppression at 3.0 T. Moreover, the use of spectral pre-saturation with inversion recovery (SPIR) does not result in uniform fat suppression due to the inhomogeneity of the static magnetic field. On the other hand, it is well known that the visibility of the brachial plexus using a 3D TSE sequence greatly changes with the equivalent echo time (TEequiv). Therefore, we optimized the fat suppression technique and TEequiv so that the 3D TSE sequence, using a combination of STIR with SPIR and an optimal TEequiv (from 73 to 110 ms), achieved better visualization of the brachial plexus without residual fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotoshi Maruyama
- Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saisyunso Hospital
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Tsukasa Sakemoto
- Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saisyunso Hospital
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Yoneyama M, Nakamura M, Obara M, Okuaki T, Sashi R, Sawano S, Tatsuno S, Van Cauteren M. Hyperecho PROPELLER-MRI: Application to rapid high-resolution motion-insensitiveT2-weighted black-blood imaging of the carotid arterial vessel wall and plaque. J Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 45:515-524. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Yasukochi S. Assessment of Intracardiac Anatomy by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-54355-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sugimori Y, Tanaka S, Nishimura T, Yamamoto A, Ohfuji S, Naito Y, Katsumata Y, Miki Y. Usefulness of dual echo volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) in MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Magn Reson Med Sci 2013; 12:249-59. [PMID: 24172791 DOI: 10.2463/mrms.2013-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the ability to detect the articular disk and joint effusion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of a method of dual echo volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (DE-VISTA) additional fusion images (AFI). METHODS DE-VISTA was performed in the 26 TMJ of 13 volunteers and 26 TMJ of 13 patients. Two-dimensional (2D) dual echo turbo spin echo was performed in the 26 TMJ of 13 volunteers. On a workstation, we added proton density-weighted images (PDWI) and T2 weighted images (T2WI) of the DE-VISTA per voxel to reconstruct DE-VISTA-AFI. Two radiologists reviewed these images visually and quantitatively. RESULTS Visual evaluation of the articular disk was equivalent between DE-VISTA-AFI and 2D-PDWI. The sliding thin-slab multiplanar reformation (MPR) method of DE-VISTA-AFI could detect all articular disks. The ratio of contrast (CR) of adipose tissue by the articular disk to that of the articular disk itself was significantly higher in DE-VISTA-AFI than DE-VISTA-PDWI (P<0.05) in patients and volunteers with closed or open mouth. In volunteers, the CR between adipose tissue and the disk on DE-VISTA-AFI was marginally significant to that on 2D-PDWI at opened mouth (P=0.071) and not significantly different (P=0.18) from that at closed mouth. Joint effusion could be identified in DE-VISTA-AFI in all 8 joints that had joint effusion in DE-VISTA-T2WI but in only 3 of those joints in 2D-T2WI. The CR of joint effusion to adipose tissue on DE-VISTA-AFI did not differ significantly from that on DE-VISTA-PDWI. However, using DE-VISTA-T2WI in addition to DE-VISTA-PDWI, we could visually identify joint effusion on DE-VISTA-AFI that could not be identified on DE-VISTA-PDWI alone. CONCLUSION DE-VISTA-AFI can depict the articular disk and a small amount of joint effusion by the required plane of MPR using the sliding thin-slab MPR method.
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Yoneyama M, Nakamura M, Obara M, Namiki T, Takemura A, Tatsuno S, Sawano S. Simple method for whole-brain volumetric T(1)-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging. Radiol Phys Technol 2013; 7:167-75. [PMID: 24307570 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-013-0247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We propose a simple scheme of 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) with low-refocusing flip angles (RFAs) for obtaining sufficient T1-weighted contrast. The low RFA can easily lead spins into a pseudo-steady-state (PSS) condition, but a preparation scheme is required for smooth transition into static PSS. For obtaining T1 contrast, PSS preparation is the most important factor, and therefore we focused on the PSS preparation. To optimize the T1 contrast in the proposed sequence, we compared the following parameters: RFAs of 90° and 30°, and a PSS preparation scheme of "90° + α/2" and asymptotic preparation. Subsequently, to demonstrate the quality of the proposed sequence, we compared the image quality regarding conventional 3D TSE and 2D spin echo (SE). A combination of an RFA of 30° and the "90° + α/2" preparation scheme showed the highest T1 contrast. The optimized sequence provided higher contrast and sharper images compared to 3D TSE, and it showed contrast and a signal-to-noise ratio similar to those of 2D SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Yoneyama
- Yaesu Clinic, C-road Bldg 4F, 2-1-18 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan,
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Nakamura M, Makabe T, Ichikawa M, Hatakeyama R, Sugimori H, Sakata M. [Non-gated vessel wall imaging of the internal carotid artery using radial scanning and fast spin echo sequence: evaluation of vessel signal Intensity by flow rate at 3.0 tesla]. Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi 2013; 69:1261-5. [PMID: 24256649 DOI: 10.6009/jjrt.2013_jsrt_69.11.1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vessel wall imaging using radial scanning does not use a blood flow suppression pulse with gated acquisition. It has been proposed that there may not be a flow void effect if the flow rate is slow; however, this has yet to be empirically tested. To clarify the relationship between the signal intensity of the vessel lumen and the blood flow rate in a flow phantom, we investigated the usefulness of vessel wall imaging at 3.0 tesla (T). We measured the signal intensity while changing the flow rate in the flow phantom. Radial scanning at 1.5 T showed sufficient flow voids at above medium flow rates. There was no significant difference in lumen signal intensity at the carotid artery flow rate. The signal intensity of the vessel lumen decreased sufficiently using the radial scan method at 3.0 T. We thus obtained sufficient flow void effects at the carotid artery flow rate. We conclude this technique to be useful for evaluating plaque if high contrast can be maintained for fixed tissue (such as plaque) and the vessel lumen.
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Yoneyama M, Nakamura M, Tabuchi T, Takemura A, Obara M, Tatsuno S, Sawano S. Whole-brain black-blood imaging with magnetization-transfer prepared spin echo-like contrast: a novel sequence for contrast-enhanced brain metastasis screening at 3T. Radiol Phys Technol 2013; 6:431-6. [PMID: 23645471 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-013-0216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In contrast-enhanced (CE) brain metastasis screening, coexistence of enhanced blood vessel suppression and higher tumor-to-parenchyma contrast may improve radiologists' performances in detecting brain metastases compared with conventional sequences. In this study, we propose a new scheme, allowing both suppression of blood signals and improvement of tumor-to-parenchyma contrast, using motion-sensitized driven equilibrium prepared 3D low-refocusing flip-angle turbo spin echo (TSE) ("magnetization transfer prepared spin echo"-like contrast volume examination: MATLVE) for brain metastasis screening at 3.0 T, and we compare MATLVE to conventional three-dimensional (3D)-gradient recalled echo (GRE) and 3D-TSE sequences. With the use of MATLVE, the signal intensity of CE blood decreased substantially. Furthermore, the contrast ratio of tumor-to-white matter was significantly higher than in either conventional 3D-GRE or 3D-TSE. MATLVE can be used for 3D volumetric post-CE black-blood imaging, and it may be effective in detecting small brain metastases by selectively enhancing tumor signals while suppressing blood signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Yoneyama
- Yaesu Clinic, C-road Bldg 4F, 2-1-18 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Reevaluation of T2-weighted fast field echo (T2FFE): application to rapid volumetric black-blood imaging. Radiol Phys Technol 2013; 6:305-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s12194-013-0201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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