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Yun SY, Heo YJ. Clinical feasibility of post-contrast accelerated 3D T1-Sampling Perfection with Application-optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions (SPACE) with iterative denoising for intracranial enhancing lesions: a retrospective study. Acta Radiol 2024; 65:654-662. [PMID: 38623647 DOI: 10.1177/02841851241245104] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-contrast T1-Sampling Perfection with Application-optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions (SPACE) is the preferred 3D T1 spin-echo sequence for evaluating brain metastases, regardless of the prolonged scan time. PURPOSE To evaluate the application of accelerated post-contrast T1-SPACE with iterative denoising (ID) for intracranial enhancing lesions in oncologic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS For evaluation of intracranial lesions, 108 patients underwent standard and accelerated T1-SPACE during the same imaging session. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the overall image quality, artifacts, degree of enhancement, mean contrast-to-noise ratiolesion/parenchyma, and number of enhancing lesions for standard and accelerated T1-SPACE without ID. RESULTS Although there was a significant difference in the overall image quality and mean contrast-to-noise ratiolesion/parenchyma between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE without ID and accelerated SPACE with and without ID, there was no significant difference between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID. Accelerated T1-SPACE showed more artifacts than standard T1-SPACE; however, accelerated T1-SPACE with ID showed significantly fewer artifacts than accelerated T1-SPACE without ID. Accelerated T1-SPACE without ID showed a significantly lower number of enhancing lesions than standard- and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID; however, there was no significant difference between standard and accelerated T1-SPACE with ID, regardless of lesion size. CONCLUSION Although accelerated T1-SPACE markedly decreased the scan time, it showed lower overall image quality and lesion detectability than the standard T1-SPACE. Application of ID to accelerated T1-SPACE resulted in comparable overall image quality and detection of enhancing lesions in brain parenchyma as standard T1-SPACE. Accelerated T1-SPACE with ID may be a promising replacement for standard T1-SPACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Young Yun
- Department of Radiology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Heo
- Department of Radiology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Hausmann D, Lerch A, Hitziger S, Farkas M, Weiland E, Lemke A, Grimm M, Kubik-Huch RA. AI-Supported Autonomous Uterus Reconstructions: First Application in MRI Using 3D SPACE with Iterative Denoising. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:1400-1409. [PMID: 37925344 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.09.035] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES T2-weighted imaging in at least two orthogonal planes is recommended for assessment of the uterus. To determine whether a convolutional neural network-based algorithm could be used for the re-constructions of uterus axes derived from a 3D SPACE with iterative denoising. MATERIALS AND METHODS 50 patients aged 18-81 (mean: 42) years who underwent an MRI examination of the uterus participated voluntarily in this prospective study after informed consent. In addition to a standard MRI pelvis protocol, a 3D SPACE research application sequence was acquired in sagittal orientation. Reconstructions for both the cervix and the cavum in the short and long axes were performed by a research trainee (T), an experienced radiologist (E), and the prototype software (P). In the next step, the reconstructions were evaluated anonymously by two experienced readers according to 5-point-Likert-Scales. In addition, the length of the cervical canal, the length of the cavum and the distance between the tube angles were measured on all reconstructions. Interobserver agreement was assessed for all ratings. RESULTS For all axes, significant differences were found between the scores of the reconstructions by research T, E and P. P received higher scores and was preferred significantly more often with the exception of the comparison of the reconstruction Cervix short of E (Cervix short: P vs. T: p = 0.02; P vs. E: p = 0.26; Cervix long: P vs. T: p = 0.01; P vs. E: p < 0.01; Cavum short: P vs. T: p = 0.01; P vs. E: p = 0.02; Cavum long: P vs. T: p < 0.01; P vs. E: p < 0.01). Regarding the measured diameters, (length of cervical canal/cavum/distance between tube angles) significantly larger diameters were recorded for P compared to E and T (Cervix long (mm): T: 25.43; E: 25.65; P: 26.65; Cavum short (mm): T: 26.24; E: 25.04; P: 27.33; Cavum long (mm): T: 31.98; E: 32.91; P: 34.41; P vs. T: p < 0.01); P vs. E: p = 0.04). Moderate to substantial agreement was found between Reader 1 and Reader 2 (range: 0.39-0.67). CONCLUSION P was able to reconstruct the axes at least as well as or better than E and T. P could thereby lead to workflow facilitation and enable more efficient reporting of uterine MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hausmann
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden, 5404, Switzerland (D.H., A.L., M.F., M.G., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany (D.H.).
| | - Aline Lerch
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden, 5404, Switzerland (D.H., A.L., M.F., M.G., K.H.); Institute for Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.L); ETH, Department of Health Sciences and Technology (A.L.)
| | | | - Monika Farkas
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden, 5404, Switzerland (D.H., A.L., M.F., M.G., K.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Weiland
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany (E.W.)
| | | | - Maximilian Grimm
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden, 5404, Switzerland (D.H., A.L., M.F., M.G., K.H.)
| | - Rahel A Kubik-Huch
- Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden, 5404, Switzerland (D.H., A.L., M.F., M.G., K.H.)
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Avery JC, Knox S, Deslandes A, Leonardi M, Lo G, Wang H, Zhang Y, Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Thi Nguyen TT, Condous GS, Carneiro G, Hull ML. Noninvasive diagnostic imaging for endometriosis part 2: a systematic review of recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and computed tomography. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:189-211. [PMID: 38110143 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women, taking 6.4 years to diagnose using conventional laparoscopy. Non-invasive imaging enables timelier diagnosis, reducing diagnostic delay, risk and expense of surgery. This review updates literature exploring the diagnostic value of specialist endometriosis magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI), nuclear medicine (NM) and computed tomography (CT). Searching after the 2016 IDEA consensus, 6192 publications were identified, with 27 studies focused on imaging for endometriosis. eMRI was the subject of 14 papers, NM and CT, 11, and artificial intelligence (AI) utilizing eMRI, 2. eMRI papers describe diagnostic accuracy for endometriosis, methodologies, and innovations. Advantages of eMRI include its: ability to diagnose endometriosis in those unable to tolerate transvaginal endometriosis ultrasound (eTVUS); a panoramic pelvic view, easy translation to surgical fields; identification of hyperintense iron in endometriotic lesions; and ability to identify super-pelvic lesions. Sequence standardization means eMRI is less operator-dependent than eTVUS, but higher costs limit its role to a secondary diagnostic modality. eMRI for deep and ovarian endometriosis has sensitivities of 91-93.5% and specificities of 86-87.5% making it reliable for surgical mapping and diagnosis. Superficial lesions too small for detection in larger capture sequences, means a negative eMRI doesn't exclude endometriosis. Combined with thin sequence capture and improved reader expertise, eMRI is poised for rapid adoption into clinical practice. NM labeling is diagnostically limited in absence of suitable unique marker for endometrial-like tissue. CT studies expose the reproductively aged to radiation. AI diagnostic tools, combining independent eMRI and eTVUS endometriosis markers, may result in powerful capability. Broader eMRI use, will optimize standards and protocols. Reporting systems correlating to surgical anatomy will facilitate interdisciplinary preoperative dialogues. eMRI endometriosis diagnosis should reduce repeat surgeries with mental and physical health benefits for patients. There is potential for early eMRI diagnoses to prevent chronic pain syndromes and protect fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie C Avery
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Steven Knox
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Benson Radiology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alison Deslandes
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mathew Leonardi
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Glen Lo
- Curtin University Medical School Perth, Australia
| | - Hu Wang
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Australian Institute for Machine Learning, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Australian Institute for Machine Learning, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah Jane Holdsworth-Carson
- Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tran Tuyet Thi Nguyen
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Embrace Fertility, Adelaide, Australia
| | - George Stanley Condous
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Omni Ultrasound and Gynaecological Care, Sydney Australia, (j)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gustavo Carneiro
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Embrace Fertility, Adelaide, Australia
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Kelleher CB, Macdonald J, Jaffe TA, Allen BC, Kalisz KR, Kauffman TH, Smith JD, Maurer KR, Thomas SP, Coleman AD, Zaki IH, Kannengiesser S, Lafata K, Gupta RT, Bashir MR. A Faster Prostate MRI: Comparing a Novel Denoised, Single-Average T 2 Sequence to the Conventional Multiaverage T 2 Sequence Regarding Lesion Detection and PI-RADS Score Assessment. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023. [PMID: 36607254 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The T2 w sequence is a standard component of a prostate MRI examination; however, it is time-consuming, requiring multiple signal averages to achieve acceptable image quality. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS To determine whether a denoised, single-average T2 sequence (T2 -R) is noninferior to the standard multiaverage T2 sequence (T2 -S) in terms of lesion detection and PI-RADS score assessment. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION A total of 45 males (age range 60-75 years) who underwent clinically indicated prostate MRI examinations, 21 of whom had pathologically proven prostate cancer. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 3 T; T2 w FSE, DWI with ADC maps, and dynamic contrast-enhanced images with color-coded perfusion maps. T2 -R images were created from the raw data utilizing a single "average" with iterative denoising. ASSESSMENT Nine readers randomly assessed complete exams including T2 -R and T2 -S images in separate sessions. PI-RADS version 2.1 was used. All readers then compared the T2 -R and T2 -S images side by side to evaluate subjective preference. An additional detailed image quality assessment was performed by three senior level readers. STATISTICAL TESTS Generalized linear mixed effects models for differences in lesion detection, image quality features, and overall preference between T2 -R and T2 -S sequences. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess reader agreement for all comparisons. A significance threshold of P = 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. RESULTS There was no significant difference between sequences regarding identification of lesions with PI-RADS ≥3 (P = 0.10) or PI-RADS score (P = 0.77). Reader agreement was excellent for lesion identification (ICC = 0.84). There was no significant overall preference between the two sequences regarding image quality (P = 0.07, 95% CI: [-0.23, 0.01]). Reader agreement was good regarding sequence preference (ICC = 0.62). DATA CONCLUSION Use of single-average, denoised T2 -weighted images was noninferior in prostate lesion detection or PI-RADS scoring when compared to standard multiaverage T2 -weighted images. EVIDENCE LEVEL 3. TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tracy A Jaffe
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian C Allen
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin R Kalisz
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jordan D Smith
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Sarah P Thomas
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Islam H Zaki
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Kyle Lafata
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rajan T Gupta
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Quesada J, Härmä K, Reid S, Rao T, Lo G, Yang N, Karia S, Lee E, Borok N. Endometriosis: A multimodal imaging review. Eur J Radiol 2023; 158:110610. [PMID: 36502625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized endometrial-like tissue present outside of the uterus, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive age women. It is associated with abdomino-pelvic pain, infertility and other non - gynecologic symptoms, making it a challenging diagnosis. Several guidelines have been developed by different international societies to diagnose and classify endometriosis, yet areas of controversy and uncertainty remains. Transvaginal ultrasound (TV-US) is the first-line imaging modality used to identify endometriosis due to its accessibility and cost-efficacy. Enhanced sonographic techniques are emerging as a dedicated technique to evaluate deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), depending on the expertise of the sonographer as well as the location of the lesions. MRI is an ideal complementary modality to ultrasonography for pre-operative planning as it allows for a larger field-of-view when required and it has high levels of reproducibility and tolerability. Typically, endometriotic lesions appear hypoechoic on ultrasonography. On MRI, classical features include DIE T2 hypointensity, endometrioma T2 hypointensity and T1 hyperintensity, while superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE) is described as a small focus of T1 hyperintensity. Imaging has become a critical tool in the diagnosis, surveillance and surgical planning of endometriosis. This literature review is based mostly on studies from the last two decades and aims to provide a detailed overview of the imaging features of endometriosis as well as the advances and usefulness of different imaging modalities for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Quesada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Campbelltown Hospital (South-Western Sydney Local Health District), Terry Rd, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia.
| | - Kirsi Härmä
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology - University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Shannon Reid
- Western Sydney University, Faculty of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Sonacare Women's Health and Ultrasound, Harrington, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Tanushree Rao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, NSW 1871, Australia
| | - Glen Lo
- Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; The Western Ultrasound for Women, 1/160a Cambridge St, West Leederville, Perth, WA 6007, Australia.
| | - Natalie Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
| | - Sonal Karia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Campbelltown Hospital (South-Western Sydney Local Health District), Terry Rd, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia.
| | - Emmeline Lee
- Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; The Western Ultrasound for Women, 1/160a Cambridge St, West Leederville, Perth, WA 6007, Australia
| | - Nira Borok
- Department of Radiology, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, NSW 1871, Australia.
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Almansour H, Weiland E, Kuehn B, Kannengiesser S, Gassenmaier S, Herrmann J, Hoffmann R, Othman AE, Afat S. Accelerated Three-dimensional T2-Weighted Turbo-Spin-Echo Sequences with Inner-Volume Excitation and Iterative Denoising in the Setting of Pelvis MRI at 1.5T: Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detection. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:e248-e259. [PMID: 35144868 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.01.003] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To investigate image quality and rate of lesion detection in a novel three-dimensional T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequence with inner-volume excitation (zoomed imaging) and iterative denoising processing in pelvic MRI at 1.5T. Two-dimensional T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequences were used as the clinical reference standard (2D-T2-TSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective study of patients with various pelvic pathologies. Each patient underwent standard 2D-T2-TSE in three planes with two-fold acceleration as well as a single three-dimensional T2-TSE in the sagittal plane with four-fold acceleration known as Sampling-Perfection-with-Application-optimized-Contrast-using-different-flip-angle-Evolutions (3D-T2-SPACE). The 3D-T2-SPACE images were reconstructed in three orthogonal planes at a slice thickness of 2 mm (vs. 2D-T2-TSE at 4 mm). Two radiologists conducted a qualitative image analysis on standard 2D-T2-TSE and multiplanar reconstructed 3D-T2-SPACE images. These parameters were compared and inter-reader agreement was computed. Furthermore, each reader documented the observed lesions of various pelvic organs. The rate of lesion detection was compared between readers and sequences. Inter-reader and inter-sequence agreement were computed. RESULTS Forty patients (25 females) were included. Mean patient age was 58 ± 13 years. 3D-T2-SPACE enabled an approximate 22% reduction of acquisition time and 50% of reconstructed slice thickness. 3D-T2-SPACE showed fewer artifacts than 2D-T2-TSE (p < 0.001). However, 2D-T2-TSE was rated to have significantly higher signal intensity than 3D-T2-SPACE (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two sequences regarding all other parameters. Inter-reader agreement regarding image quality parameters was substantial (Kappa = 0.772). For all analyzed pelvic anatomic structures, inter-reader and inter-sequence agreement for lesion detection was excellent (Kappa > 0.80). CONCLUSION 3D-T2-SPACE with the inner-volume excitation and iterative denoising is clinically feasible at 1.5 T, enabling faster imaging, thinner slices, and significant reduction of artifacts. Despite that signal intensity was inferior in the SPACE images, overall image quality, diagnostic confidence and lesion detection were not compromised. This prospective study sets the stage for further clinical implementation and future investigations tailored to specific indications in pelvis MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidara Almansour
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weiland
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Kuehn
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Gassenmaier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Judith Herrmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Hoffmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Saif Afat
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
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Hausmann D, Pindur A, Todorski I, Weiland E, Kuehn B, Zhou K, Bosshard L, Prummer M, Kubik-Huch RA. Quantitative assessment of iteratively denoised 3D SPACE with inner-volume excitation and simultaneous multi-slice BLADE for optimizing female pelvis magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T. Acad Radiol 2022; 30:1129-1140. [PMID: 35871059 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES High-resolution T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis is the main technique used for diagnosing benign and malignant uterine diseases. However, the procedure may be time-consuming and requires training and experience. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the image quality of standard clinical BLADE (stBLADE) with a prototypical accelerated simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) BLADE procedure with either improved temporal resolution (tr) at the same slice thickness (SL) or improved spatial resolution (sr) with the same examination time and a prototypical isotropic 3D SPACE procedure with inner-volume excitation and iterative denoising. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who underwent clinically indicated MRI of the uterus were included in this prospective study and underwent stBLADE (acquisition time, 2 min 59 s; SL, 4 mm) and SMS BLADE (tr) with the same SL (4 mm) but reduced examination time (1 min 20 s) as well as SMS BLADE (sr) with thinner slices (3 mm) and comparable examination time (3 min 16 s). In addition, 3D SPACE was acquired in a sagittal orientation (5 min 36 s). The short axis of the cervix and the long axis of the corpus uteri were reconstructed in 1-mm and 3-mm SLs, retrospectively. Subjective overall image impression, delineation of anatomy/organs, lesion demarcation, and motion artifacts were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale and compared among the different techniques. The preferred sequence was then selected by three independent assessors. RESULTS The analysis was based on 38 women (mean age, 44 ± 15 years). The overall image impression was similar for stBLADE, SMS BLADE (sr), and SMS BLADE (tr) but was significantly lower for 3D SPACE than stBLADE (p = 0.01). SMS BLADE (sr) was considered the preferred sequence because of slightly better performance in terms of overall image impression, organ delineation, and lesion demarcation, but without statistical significance. Both SMS BLADE (tr) and (sr) produced significantly fewer motion artifacts than stBLADE (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01), with no significant difference between SMS BLADE (tr) and (sr), while 3D SPACE had a significantly lower rating than stBLADE (p < 0.01). Image quality was rated as the least diagnostic criterion in all sequences and all cases. CONCLUSION SMS BLADE (sr) was the preferred sequence for MRI of the female pelvis, with higher sr than stBLADE. SMS BLADE (tr) may also be used to reduce the acquisition time without compromising image quality. Despite its lower image quality, 3D SPACE can also reduce the examination time and improve the workflow because of the possibility of retrospective multiplanar reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hausmann
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden 5404, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Pindur
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden 5404, Switzerland
| | - Inga Todorski
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden 5404, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Weiland
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Kuehn
- MR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Khun Zhou
- Digital Department, Siemens Shenzhen Magnetic Resonance Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Lars Bosshard
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, and Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Prummer
- Nexus Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, and Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rahel A Kubik-Huch
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden, Im Ergel 1, Baden 5404, Switzerland
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Eliezer M, Vaussy A, Toupin S, Barbe R, Kannengiesser S, Stemmer A, Houdart E. Iterative denoising accelerated 3D SPACE FLAIR sequence for brain MR imaging at 3T. Diagn Interv Imaging 2021; 103:13-20. [PMID: 34663547 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate image quality of three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence acquired with a high acceleration factor and reconstructed with iterative denoising (ID) for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3-T. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with brain tumor who underwent brain MRI were consecutively included. Two 3D-FLAIR sequences were successively performed for each patient. A first conventional FLAIR acquisition (conv-FLAIR) was performed with an acceleration factor of 6. The second acquisition was performed with an increased acceleration factor of 9. Two series one without ID (acc-FLAIR) and one with ID (acc-FLAIR-ID) were reconstructed. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed image quality, deep brain nuclei visualization and white matter/gray matter (WM/GM) differentiation on a 4-point scale. RESULTS Thirty patients with brain tumor were consecutively included in this study. There were 16 women and 14 men with a mean age of 54 ± 17 (SD) years (range: 22-78 years). Scanning time of Acc-FLAIR-ID and Acc-FLAIR (4 min 40 sec) was 37% shorter than that of conv-FLAIR (2 min 50 sec) (P < 0.01). Improved image quality score was significantly different for both conv-FLAIR and acc-FLAIR-ID compared to acc-FLAIR (P < 0.01 for both). WM/GM differentiation score of conv-FLAIR was not significantly different compared to acc-FLAIR-ID (P = 0.10). Improved WM/GM differentiation score was different for both sequences compared to acc-FLAIR (P = 0.017 and P < 0.001). Deep brain nuclei visualization score was not different between conv-FLAIR and acc-FLAIR-ID (P = 0.71). However, the improved deep brain nuclei visualization score was significantly different for both sequences compared to acc-FLAIR (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION Scanning time of 3D-FLAIR sequence using a high acceleration factor reconstructed with ID algorithm can be reduced by 37% while preserving image quality for brain MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eliezer
- Department of Neuroradiology, Lariboisiere University Hospital, 75010 Paris, France; Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, 75010 Paris, France.
| | - Alexis Vaussy
- Siemens Healthineers France, 93210 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Solenn Toupin
- Siemens Healthineers France, 93210 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Rémy Barbe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Lariboisiere University Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Houdart
- Department of Neuroradiology, Lariboisiere University Hospital, 75010 Paris, France; Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, 75010 Paris, France
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