1
|
Bones IK, Bos C, Moonen C, Hendrikse J, van Stralen M. Workflow for automatic renal perfusion quantification using ASL-MRI and machine learning. Magn Reson Med 2021; 87:800-809. [PMID: 34672029 PMCID: PMC9297892 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical applicability of renal arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI is hampered because of time consuming and observer dependent post-processing, including manual segmentation of the cortex to obtain cortical renal blood flow (RBF). Machine learning has proven its value in medical image segmentation, including the kidneys. This study presents a fully automatic workflow for renal cortex perfusion quantification by including machine learning-based segmentation. METHODS Fully automatic workflow was achieved by construction of a cascade of 3 U-nets to replace manual segmentation in ASL quantification. All 1.5T ASL-MRI data, including M0 , T1 , and ASL label-control images, from 10 healthy volunteers was used for training (dataset 1). Trained cascade performance was validated on 4 additional volunteers (dataset 2). Manual segmentations were generated by 2 observers, yielding reference and second observer segmentations. To validate the intended use of the automatic segmentations, manual and automatic RBF values in mL/min/100 g were compared. RESULTS Good agreement was found between automatic and manual segmentations on dataset 1 (dice score = 0.78 ± 0.04), which was in line with inter-observer variability (dice score = 0.77 ± 0.02). Good agreement was confirmed on dataset 2 (dice score = 0.75 ± 0.03). Moreover, similar cortical RBF was obtained with automatic or manual segmentations, on average and at subject level; with 211 ± 31 mL/min/100 g and 208 ± 31 mL/min/100 g (P < .05), respectively, with narrow limits of agreement at -11 and 4.6 mL/min/100 g. RBF accuracy with automated segmentations was confirmed on dataset 2. CONCLUSION Our proposed method automates ASL quantification without compromising RBF accuracy. With quick processing and without observer dependence, renal ASL-MRI is more attractive for clinical application as well as for longitudinal and multi-center studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell K Bones
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chrit Moonen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Franklin SL, Voormolen N, Bones IK, Korteweg T, Wasser MNJM, Dankers HG, Cohen D, van Stralen M, Bos C, van Osch MJP. Feasibility of Velocity-Selective Arterial Spin Labeling in Breast Cancer Patients for Noncontrast-Enhanced Perfusion Imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 54:1282-1291. [PMID: 34121250 PMCID: PMC8518819 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. However, due to high costs and retention of intravenously injected gadolinium‐based contrast agent, screening with DCE‐MRI is only recommended for patients who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. Thus, a noncontrast‐enhanced alternative to DCE is desirable. Purpose To investigate whether velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VS‐ASL) can be used to identify increased perfusion and vascularity within breast lesions compared to surrounding tissue. Study Type Prospective. Population Eight breast cancer patients. Field Strength/Sequence A 3 T; VS‐ASL with multislice single‐shot gradient‐echo echo‐planar‐imaging readout. Assessment VS‐ASL scans were independently assessed by three radiologists, with 3–25 years of experience in breast radiology. Scans were scored on lesion visibility and artifacts, based on a 3‐point Likert scale. A score of 1 corresponded to “lesions being distinguishable from background” (lesion visibility), and “no or few artifacts visible, artifacts can be distinguished from blood signal” (artifact score). A distinction was made between mass and nonmass lesions (based on BI‐RADS lexicon), as assessed in the standard clinical exam. Statistical Tests Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement. Results The ICC was 0.77 for lesion visibility and 0.84 for the artifact score. Overall, mass lesions had a mean score of 1.27 on lesion visibility and 1.53 on the artifact score. Nonmass lesions had a mean score of 2.11 on lesion visibility and 2.11 on the artifact score. Data Conclusion We have demonstrated the technical feasibility of bilateral whole‐breast perfusion imaging using VS‐ASL in breast cancer patients. Evidence Level 1 Technical Efficacy Stage 1
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Franklin
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nora Voormolen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Isabell K Bones
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tijmen Korteweg
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martin N J M Wasser
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henrike G Dankers
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias J P van Osch
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bones IK, Franklin SL, Harteveld AA, van Osch MJP, Schmid S, Hendrikse J, Moonen C, van Stralen M, Bos C. Exploring label dynamics of velocity-selective arterial spin labeling in the kidney. Magn Reson Med 2021; 86:131-142. [PMID: 33538350 PMCID: PMC8048977 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) has been proposed for renal perfusion imaging to mitigate planning challenges and effects of arterial transit time (ATT) uncertainties. In VSASL, label generation may shift in the vascular tree as a function of cutoff velocity. Here, we investigate label dynamics and especially the ATT of renal VSASL and compared it with a spatially selective pulsed arterial spin labeling technique, flow alternating inversion recovery (FAIR). Methods Arterial spin labeling data were acquired in 7 subjects, using free‐breathing dual VSASL and FAIR with five postlabeling delays: 400, 800, 1200, 2000, and 2600 ms. The VSASL measurements were acquired with cutoff velocities of 5, 10, and 15 cm/s, with anterior–posterior velocity‐encoding direction. Cortical perfusion‐weighted signal, temporal SNR, quantified renal blood flow, and arterial transit time were reported. Results In contrast to FAIR, renal VSASL already showed fairly high signal at the earliest postlabeling delays, for all cutoff velocities. The highest VSASL signal and temporal SNR was obtained with a cutoff velocity of 10 cm/s at postlabeling delay = 800 ms, which was earlier than for FAIR at 1200 ms. Fitted ATT on VSASL was ≤ 0 ms, indicating ATT insensitivity, which was shorter than for FAIR (189 ± 79 ms, P < .05). Finally, the average cortical renal blood flow measured with cutoff velocities of 5 cm/s (398 ± 84 mL/min/100 g) and 10 cm/s (472 ± 160 mL/min/100 g) were similar to renal blood flow measured with FAIR (441 ± 84 mL/min/100 g) (P > .05) with good correlations on subject level. Conclusion Velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling in the kidney reduces ATT sensitivity compared with the recommended pulsed arterial spin labeling method, as well as if cutoff velocity is increased to reduce spurious labeling due to motion. Thus, VSASL has potential as a method for time‐efficient, single‐time‐point, free‐breathing renal perfusion measurements, despite lower tSNR than FAIR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell K Bones
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne L Franklin
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anita A Harteveld
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias J P van Osch
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Schmid
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chrit Moonen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Franklin SL, Bones IK, Harteveld AA, Hirschler L, van Stralen M, Qin Q, de Boer A, Hoogduin JM, Bos C, van Osch MJP, Schmid S. Multi-organ comparison of flow-based arterial spin labeling techniques: Spatially non-selective labeling for cerebral and renal perfusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 2020; 85:2580-2594. [PMID: 33251644 PMCID: PMC7898485 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Flow‐based arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques provide a transit‐time insensitive alternative to the more conventional spatially selective ASL techniques. However, it is not clear which flow‐based ASL technique performs best and also, how these techniques perform outside the brain (taking into account eg, flow‐dynamics, field‐inhomogeneity, and organ motion). In the current study we aimed to compare 4 flow‐based ASL techniques (ie, velocity selective ASL, acceleration selective ASL, multiple velocity selective saturation ASL, and velocity selective inversion prepared ASL [VSI‐ASL]) to the current spatially selective reference techniques in brain (ie, pseudo‐continuous ASL [pCASL]) and kidney (ie, pCASL and flow alternating inversion recovery [FAIR]). Methods Brain (n = 5) and kidney (n = 6) scans were performed in healthy subjects at 3T. Perfusion‐weighted signal (PWS) maps were generated and ASL techniques were compared based on temporal SNR (tSNR), sensitivity to perfusion changes using a visual stimulus (brain) and robustness to respiratory motion by comparing scans acquired in paced‐breathing and free‐breathing (kidney). Results In brain, all flow‐based ASL techniques showed similar tSNR as pCASL, but only VSI‐ASL showed similar sensitivity to perfusion changes. In kidney, all flow‐based ASL techniques had comparable tSNR, although all lower than FAIR. In addition, VSI‐ASL showed a sensitivity to B1‐inhomogeneity. All ASL techniques were relatively robust to respiratory motion. Conclusion In both brain and kidney, flow‐based ASL techniques provide a planning‐free and transit‐time insensitive alternative to spatially selective ASL techniques. VSI‐ASL shows the most potential overall, showing similar performance as the golden standard pCASL in brain. However, in kidney, a reduction of B1‐sensitivity of VSI‐ASL is necessary to match the performance of FAIR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Franklin
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Isabell K Bones
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita A Harteveld
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lydiane Hirschler
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Qin
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anneloes de Boer
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes M Hoogduin
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias J P van Osch
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Schmid
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bones IK, Franklin SL, Harteveld AA, van Osch MJP, Hendrikse J, Moonen C, van Stralen M, Bos C. Influence of labeling parameters and respiratory motion on velocity-selective arterial spin labeling for renal perfusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 2020; 84:1919-1932. [PMID: 32180263 PMCID: PMC7384062 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Arterial transit time uncertainties and challenges during planning are potential issues for renal perfusion measurement using spatially selective arterial spin labeling techniques. To mitigate these potential issues, a spatially non‐selective technique, such as velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL), could be an alternative. This article explores the influence of VSASL sequence parameters and respiratory induced motion on VS‐label generation. Methods VSASL data were acquired in human subjects (n = 15), with both single and dual labeling, during paced‐breathing, while essential sequence parameters were systematically varied; (1) cutoff velocity, (2) labeling gradient orientation and (3) post‐labeling delay (PLD). Pseudo‐continuous ASL was acquired as a spatially selective reference. In an additional free‐breathing single VSASL experiment (n = 9) we investigated respiratory motion influence on VS‐labeling. Absolute renal blood flow (RBF), perfusion weighted signal (PWS), and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) were determined. Results (1) With decreasing cutoff velocity, tSNR and PWS increased. However, undesired tissue labeling occurred at low cutoff velocities (≤ 5.4 cm/s). (2) Labeling gradient orientation had little effect on tSNR and PWS. (3) For single VSASL high signal appeared in the kidney pedicle at PLD < 800 ms, and tSNR and PWS decreased with increasing PLD. For dual VSASL, maximum tSNR occurred at PLD = 1200 ms. Average cortical RBF measured with dual VSASL (264 ± 34 mL/min/100 g) at a cutoff velocity of 5.4 cm/s, and feet‐head labeling was slightly lower than with pseudo‐continuous ASL (283 ± 55 mL/min/100 g). Conclusion With well‐chosen sequence parameters, tissue labeling induced by respiratory motion can be minimized, allowing to obtain good quality RBF maps using planning‐free labeling with dual VSASL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell K Bones
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne L Franklin
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anita A Harteveld
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias J P van Osch
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chrit Moonen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bones IK, Harteveld AA, Franklin SL, van Osch MJP, Hendrikse J, Moonen CTW, Bos C, van Stralen M. Enabling free-breathing background suppressed renal pCASL using fat imaging and retrospective motion correction. Magn Reson Med 2019; 82:276-288. [PMID: 30883873 PMCID: PMC6593735 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose For free‐breathing renal perfusion imaging using arterial spin labeling (ASL), retrospective image realignment has been found essential to reduce subtraction artifacts and, independently, background suppression has been demonstrated to reduce physiologic noise. However, negative results on ASL precision and accuracy have been reported for the combination of both. In this study, the effect of background suppression ‐level in combination with image registration on free‐breathing renal ASL signal quality, with registration either on ASL‐images themselves or guided by additionally acquired fat‐images, was investigated. The results from free‐breathing acquisitions were compared with the reference paced‐breathing motion compensation strategy. Methods Pseudocontinuous ASL (pCASL) data with additional fat‐images were acquired from 10 subjects at 1.5T with varying background suppression levels during free‐breathing and paced‐breathing. Images were registered using the ASL‐images themselves (ASLReg) or using their corresponding fat‐images (FatReg). Temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) served to evaluate precision and perfusion weighted signal (PWS) to assess accuracy. Results In combination with image registration, background suppression significantly improved tSNR by 50% (P < .05). For heavy suppression, ASLReg and FatReg showed similar performance in terms of tSNR and PWS. Background suppression with two inversion pulses induced a small, nonsignificant (P > .05) PWS reduction, but increased PWS accuracy. When applying heavy background suppression, free‐breathing acquisitions resulted in similar ASL‐quality to paced‐breathing acquisitions. Conclusion Background suppression was found beneficial for free‐breathing renal pCASL precision without compromising accuracy, despite motion challenges. In combination with ASLReg or FatReg, background suppression enabled clinically viable free‐breathing renal pCASL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell K. Bones
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Anita A. Harteveld
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Suzanne L. Franklin
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
- C. J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Matthias J. P. van Osch
- C. J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Chrit T. W. Moonen
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Clemens Bos
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Marijn van Stralen
- Center for Image SciencesUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|