Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Imaging of the Normal Brain: Comparisons between Under the Conditions of 3.0 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in normal brain MRI findings between under 3.0 Tesla (T) and 1.5T MRI conditions with the use of the fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences.

Materials and Methods

Eleven normal adults underwent imaging with the use of the FLAIR sequences on both 1.5T and 3.0T scanners. Two neuroradiologists compared the signal intensity (SI) of the centrum semiovale (CS), pulvinar thalami (PT) and normal iron deposit structures (IDSs) on the 3.0T and 1.5T FLAIR images, and they evaluated three MRI findings qualitatively: high SI of CS; low SI of PT; low SI of IDS. We also evaluated signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for the CS, PT, red nucleus and cerebellar dentate nucleus on the FLAIR images.

Results

Based on qualitative analyses, the 3.0T FLAIR images showed all three MRI findings for all cases. Low SI for the PT in seven cases (64%), high SI of the CS in one case (9%) and low SI of the cerebellar dentate nucleus in one case (9%) were visualized only on 3.0T FLAIR images. The mean SNRs of the PT, red nucleus and dentate nucleus in patients where 3.0T FLAIR imaging was performed were significantly lower as compared with the SNRs on 1.5T FLAIR images. The SNR of the CS was not significantly different between under the two magnetic field strengths (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that normal, high and low SIs of the CS, PT and IDS on 3.0T FLAIR images were depicted more frequently and more prominently as compared with those on 1.5T FLAIR images in normal adult brains.     

Magnetic resonance imaging protocols for examination of the neurocranium at 3 T

The increasing availability of high-field (3 T) MR scanners requires adapting and optimizing clinical imaging protocols to exploit the theoretically higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the higher field strength. Our aim was to establish reliable and stable protocols meeting the clinical demands for imaging the neurocranium at 3 T. Two hundred patients with a broad range of indications received an examination of the neurocranium with an appropriate assortment of imaging techniques at 3 T. Several imaging parameters were optimized. Keeping scan times comparable to those at 1.5 T we increased spatial resolution. Contrast-enhanced and non-enhanced T1-weighted imaging was best applying gradient-echo and inversion recovery (rather than spin-echo) techniques, respectively. For fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging a TE of 120 ms yielded optimum contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). High-resolution isotropic 3D data sets were acquired within reasonable scan times. Some artifacts were pronounced, but generally imaging profited from the higher SNR. We present a set of optimized examination protocols for neuroimaging at 3 T, which proved to be reliable in a clinical routine setting.     

MR imaging of hyaline cartilage at 0.5 T: a quantitative and qualitative in vitro evaluation of three types of sequences

Objective. To identify an optimal pulse sequence for in vitro imaging of hyaline cartilage at 0.5 T. Materials and methods. Twelve holes of varying diameter and depth were drilled in cartilage of two pig knees. These were submerged in saline and scanned with a 0.5-T MR system. Sixteen T1-weighted gradient echo (GE), two T2-weighted GE, and 16 fast spin echo sequences were used, by varying repetition time (TR), echo time (TE), flip angle (FA), echo train length, profile order, and by use of fat saturation. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of cartilage versus saline solution and cartilage versus subchondral bone were measured. Cartilaginous lesions were evaluated separately by three independent observers. Interobserver variability and correlation between the quantitative and qualitative analyses were calculated. Results. The mean CNRs of two specimens of cartilage versus saline solution ranged from 6.3 (±2.1) to 27.7 (±2.5), and those of cartilage versus subchondral bone from 0.3 (±0.2) to 22.5 (±1.4). The highest CNR was obtained with a T1-weighted spoiled 3D-GE technique (TR 65 ms, TE 11.5 ms, FA 45°). The number of lesions observed per sequence varied from 35 to 69. Observer agreement was fair to good. The T1-weighted spoiled GE sequences with a TR of 65 ms, TE of 11.5 ms and FA of 30° and 45° were significantly superior to the other 34 sequences in the qualitative analysis. Conclusion. T1-weighted spoiled 3D-GE sequences with a TR of 65 ms, a TE of 11.5 ms, and a FA of 30–45° were found to be optimal for in vitro imaging of cartilage at 0.5 T.     

Assessment of myocardial viability using delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0 T has recently become available and potentially provides a significant improvement of tissue contrast in T1-weighted imaging techniques relying on Gd-based contrast enhancement. Imaging at high-field strength may be especially advantageous for methods relying on strong T1-weighting and imaging after contrast material administration. The aim of this study was to compare cardiac delayed enhancement (DE) MRI at 3.0 T and 1.5 T with respect to image quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between infarcted and normal myocardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with history of myocardial infarction were examined at 3.0 T (n = 20) or at 1.5 T (n = 20). Myocardial function was assessed using cine steady-state-free-precession (SSFP) sequences (TR 3.1 milliseconds, TE 1.6 milliseconds, flip angle 70 degrees , and a matrix of 168 x 256 at 1.5 T and TR 3.4 milliseconds, TE 1.7 milliseconds, flip angle 50 degrees and a matrix of 168 x 256 at 3.0 T), acquired in long- and short-axes views. DE images were obtained 15 minutes after the administration of 0.15 mmol of Gd-DTPA/kg body weight using a segmented inversion recovery prepared gradient echo sequence at 1.5 T (TR 9.6 milliseconds, TE 4.4 milliseconds, flip angle 25 degrees , matrix 160 x 256, bandwidth 140 Hertz/pixel) and at 3.0 T (TR 9.8 milliseconds, TE 4.3 milliseconds, flip angle 30 degrees , matrix 150 x 256, bandwidth 140 Hertz/pixel). For image analysis, standardized SNR and CNR measurements were performed in infarcted and remote myocardial regions. Two independent observers rated image quality on a 4-point scale (0 = poor image quality, 1 = sufficient image quality, 2 = good image quality, 3 = excellent image quality). RESULTS: High diagnostic image quality was obtained in all patients. Rating of mean image quality was 2.2 +/- 0.8 at 1.5 T and 2.5 +/- 0.6 at 3.0 T (P = 0.012) for observer 1 and 2.2 +/- 0.7 at 1.5 T and 2.6 +/- 0.6 at 3.0 T (P = 0.003) for observer 2, respectively. Interobserver agreement was good (kappa = 0.68 at 1.5 T and 0.78 at 3.0 T). SNR measurements yielded a mean SNR of 37.8 +/- 13.9/22.9 +/- 6.0 in infarcted myocardium (P < 0.001) and 5.6 +/- 2.2/5.9 +/- 2.4 in normal myocardium (P = 0.45) at 3.0 T/1.5 T, respectively. CNR measurements revealed mean values of 32.4 +/- 13.0/16.7 +/- 5.4 (P< 0.001) at 3.0 T/1.5 T, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed enhancement MRI at 3.0 T is feasible and provides superior image quality compared with 1.5 T. Furthermore, using identical contrast doses, increased SNR and CNR values were recorded at 3.0 T.     

Time-reduced T2-weighted celebral MRI with optimized flip angles

This study was set up to see whether lowering the flip angle in proton density- and T2-weighted double-spin echo sequences allows for shortening of repetition time (TR) and imaging time without significant change of image quality. Ten patients with celebral white matter lesions were investigated with an 1.5 T MR scanner using a conventional long- TR double-spin echo sequence (TR = 2500 ms, TE = 15 and 70 ms) and reduced-TR double-spin echo sequences (TR = 1900 ms, TE = 15 and 70 ms) at flip angles of 90°, 80°, 70°, 60°, and 50°. Lowering the flip angle resulted in less T1-contrast and a relative increase of T2-contrast. At a flip angle of 70°, contrast-to noise ratios (NNRs) between lesions and brain, as well as image artifacts of the reduced-TR sequence (CNR: 22.4) were similar to the conventional long-TR sequence (CNR:21.1), while imaging time was shortened by about 25%. Offprint requests to: Peter Schubeus     

Experimental model to evaluate in vivo and in vitro cartilage MR imaging by means of histological analyses

Objectives

Implementation of an experimental model to compare cartilage MR imaging by means of histological analyses.

Material and methods

MRI was obtained from 4 patients expecting total knee replacement at 1.5 and/or 3 T prior surgery. The timeframe between pre-op MRI and knee replacement was within two days. Resected cartilage-bone samples were tagged with Ethi^®-pins to reproduce the histological cutting course. Pre-operative scanning at 1.5 T included following parameters for fast low angle shot (FLASH: TR/TE/FA = 33 ms/6 ms/30°, BW = 110 kHz, 120 mm × 120 mm FOV, 256 × 256 matrix, 0.65 mm slice-thickness) and double echo steady state (DESS: TR/TE/FA = 23.7 ms/6.9 ms/40°, BW = 130 kHz, 120 × 120 mm FOV, 256 × 256 matrix, 0.65 mm slice-thickness). At 3 T, scan parameters were: FLASH (TR/TE/FA = 12.2 ms/5.1 ms/10°, BW = 130 kHz, 170 × 170 mm FOV, 320 × 320, 0.5 mm slice-thickness) and DESS (TR/TE/FA = 15.6 ms/4.5 ms/25°, BW = 200 kHz, 135 mm × 150 mm FOV, 288 × 320 matrix, 0.5 mm slice-thickness). Imaging of the specimens was done the same day at 1.5 T. MRI (Noyes) and histological (Mankin) score scales were correlated using the paired t-test. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of different grades of cartilage degeneration were assessed. Inter-reader and intra-reader reliability was determined using Kappa analysis.

Results

Low correlation (sensitivity, specificity) was found for both sequences in normal to mild Mankin grades. Only moderate to severe changes were diagnosed with higher significance and specificity. The use of higher field-strengths was advantageous for both protocols with sensitivity values ranging from 13.6% to 93.3% (FLASH) and 20.5% to 96.2% (DESS). Kappa values ranged from 0.488 to 0.944.

Conclusions

Correlating MR images with continuous histological slices was feasible by using three-dimensional imaging, multi-planar-reformat and marker pins. The capability of diagnosing early cartilage changes with high accuracy could not be proven for both FLASH and DESS.     

<Superscript>1</Superscript>H MR chemical shift imaging detection of phenylalanine in patients suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU)

Short echo time single voxel methods were used in previous MR spectroscopy studies of phenylalanine (Phe) levels in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients. In this study, apparent T ₂ relaxation time of the 7.3-ppm Phe multiplet signal in the brain of PKU patients was assessed in order to establish which echo time would be optimal. ¹H chemical shift imaging (CSI) examinations of a transverse plain above the ventricles of the brain were performed in 10 PKU patients and 11 persons not suffering from PKU at 1.5 T, using four echo times (TE 20, 40, 135 and 270 ms). Phe was detectable only when the signals from all CSI voxels were summarized. In patients suffering from PKU the T ₂ relaxation times of choline, creatine and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) were similar to those previously reported for healthy volunteers (between 200 and 325 ms). The T ₂ of Phe in brain tissue was 215±120 ms (standard deviation). In the PKU patients the brain tissue Phe concentrations were 141±69 M as opposed to 58±23 M in the persons not suffering from PKU. In the detection of Phe, MR spectroscopy performed at TE 135 or 270 ms is not inferior to that performed at TE 20 or 40 ms (all previous studies). Best results were obtained at TE=135 ms, relating to the fact that at that particular TE, the visibility of a compound with a T ₂ of 215 ms still is good, while interfering signals from short-TE compounds are negligible.     

Multicontrast-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of atherosclerotic plaques at 3.0 and 1.5 Tesla: ex-vivo comparison with histopathologic correlation

The purpose was to analyze magnetic resonance (MR) plaque imaging at 3.0 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla in correlation with histopathology. MR imaging (MRI) of the abdominal aorta and femoral artery was performed on seven corpses using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and PD-weighted sequences at 3.0 and 1.5 Tesla. Cross-sectional images at the branching of the inferior mesenteric artery and the profunda femoris were rated with respect to image quality. Corresponding cross sections of the imaged vessels were obtained at autopsy. The atherosclerotic plaques in the histological slides and MR images were classified according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and analyzed for differences. MRI at 3.0 Tesla offered superior depiction of arterial wall composition in all contrast weightings, rated best for T2-weighted images. Comparing for field strength, the highest differences were observed in T1-weighted and T2-weighted techniques (both P< or =0.001), with still significant differences in PD-weighted sequence (P< or =0.005). The majority of plaques were histologically classified as calcified plaques. In up to 21% of the cases, MRI at both field strengths detected signal loss characteristic of calcification although calcified plaque was absent in histology. MRI at 3.0 Tesla offers superior plaque imaging quality compared with 1.5 Tesla, but further work is necessary to determine whether this translates in superior diagnostic accuracy.     

Higher sensitivity in the detection of inflammatory brain lesions in patients with clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis using high field MRI: an intraindividual comparison of 1.5 T with 3.0 T

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivities in the detection of inflammatory lesions in patients with clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis at 3.0 T and 1.5 T. MR imaging of 40 patients at both field strengths was performed in separate sessions including contiguous axial slices of T2 turbo spin-echo (T2 TSE), fluid-attenuated-inversion-recovery (FLAIR) and pre- and postcontrast T1 spin-echo (T1 SE). Inflammatory lesions >3 mm in size were counted and categorized according to their anatomic location. Lesion conspicuity was assessed on a five-point scale. At 3.0 T, 13% more white matter lesions could be identified on the FLAIR sequence and on the T2 TSE sequence. Compared to 1.5 T 7.5% more contrast-enhancing lesions were detected at 3.0 T. The higher detection rate at 3.0 T was significant for the infratentorial (p=0.02) and juxtacortical (p<0.01) region on the FLAIR as well as for the infratentorial (p=0.03), juxtacortical (p=0.02) and periventricular (p=0.03) region on the T2 TSE sequence. The lesion conspicuity was significantly better at 3.0 T for FLAIR and T2 TSE sequences (p<0.01; p=0.01). In conclusion, high-field MRI at 3.0 T provides a significantly higher detection rate of inflammatory brain lesions especially in the infratentorial, juxtacortical and periventricular anatomic region.     

MR imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates and infants at 2.35 Tesla

Summary The variations of the relative signal intensity and the time dependent changing contrast of intracranial hemorrhages on high-field spin-echo magnetic resonance images (MRI) were studied in 28 pediatric patients. For T1-weighted images, a repetition time (TR) of 500 ms and an echo time (TE) of 30 or 23 ms was used. The corresponding times for T2-weighted images were TR 3000 ms and TE 120 ms. Intracranial hematomas, less than 3 days old, were iso- to mildly hypointense on short TR/TE scans and markedly hypointense on long TR/TE scans (acute stage). In the following four days the signal of the hematomas became hyperintense on short TR/TE scans, beginning in the periphery and proceeding towards the center. On long TR/TE scans the signal remained markedly hypointense (early subacute stage). 7–14 days old hematomas were of high signal intensity on short TR/TE scans. On long TR/TE scans they appeared hypointense in the center and hyperintense in the periphery (late subacute stage). By the end of the second week the hematomas were of high signal intensity on all pulse sequences (chronic stage). Chronic hematomas were surrounded by a parenchymal rim of hypointensity on long TR/TE scans. 28 neonates and infants (with 11 follow-up examinations) of 31.5–70.6 weeks postconceptional age (PCA), with an intracranial hemorrhage were examined. The etiologies of the hemorrhages were: asphyxia (17 cases), brain infarct (2), thrombocytopenia (1), clotting disorder (1) and unknown origin (7). The aim of this study was to describe the appearance of intracranial hemorrhages inneonates and infants with MRI at2.35 Tesla using spine-cho sequences.     

液体衰减翻转恢复序列在颅脑MRI中的应用

目的：探讨１．５ＴＭＲ颅脑液体衰减翻转恢复（ＦＬＡＩＲ）序列的合理扫描参数及其临床应用价值。材料和方法：首先对１８名健康志愿者行１．５ＴＭＲ的颅脑ＦＬＡＩＲ序列的参数选择试验，然后用筛选出的合理参数对２４例脑部疾病患者行ＦＬＡＩＲ序列与ＳＥ序列的对照扫描。结果：在１．５ＴＭＲ颅脑ＦＬＡＩＲ扫描中，当ＴＲ＝６０００ｍｓ时，ＴＩ为１７００－１８００ｍｓ接近脑脊液的无效值，ＴＥ以１６０ｍｓ为宜。ＦＬＡＩＲ序列与ＳＥ序列的对照扫描中，ＦＬＡＩＲ序列显示病变为７５／７６（９８．６８％），ＳＥ序列为６５／７６（８５．５３％），两者显示病变的敏感度有显著性差异（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结论：ＦＬＡＩＲ序列对靠近脑脊液的病变、脑组织水肿、室管膜下漏液、脑室和脑池内病变的检出较ＳＥ序列更敏感。     

Comparison of lymph node metastases assessment With the use of USPIO‐enhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T versus 3.0 T in a rabbit model

Purpose:

To prospectively compare the diagnostic performances of 1.5 T and 3.0 T ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of lymph node (LN) metastases in a rabbit model.

Materials and Methods:

Experiments were approved by the animal care committee. VX2 carcinomas were implanted into the thighs of 18 rabbits 3 or 4 weeks before MRI examinations. T2*‐weighted 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI was performed 24 hours after USPIO (2.6 mg/kg iron) administration. Two radiologists calculated signal intensity (SI) ratios (ie, the ratios of postcontrast to precontrast signal intensity) of each LN and also evaluated for the presence of a metastasis in the iliac and retroperitoneal LNs at 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI. Student's t‐test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and a Z test were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:

Metastases were confirmed in 45 of 80 LNs by histopathology. For benign LNs the mean SI ratio at 1.5 T was higher (0.538) than at 3.0 T (0.463) (P = 0.004). In qualitative analysis, 1.5 T and 3.0 T USPIO‐enhanced MRI showed similar Az values (0.951 vs. 0.939; P = 0.296). The specificity of 3.0 T USPIO‐enhanced MRI was higher (91.4% [32 of 35]) than that of 1.5 T imaging (82.9% [29 of 35]) (P = 0.013); however, the sensitivities (88.9% [40 of 45]) were the same in the both modalities.

Conclusion:

3.0 T USPIO‐enhanced MRI shows a higher specificity as compared to 1.5 T imaging without a significant difference of sensitivity in a rabbit VX2 model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:134–141. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Evaluation of turbo spin echo sequences for MRI of focal liver lesions at 0.5 T

To determine whether turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences can replace conventional T2-weighted spin echo (SE) sequences in MRI of the liver, 40 patients with focal liver lesions were imaged at 0.5 T. A T2-weighted SE sequences (TR/TE 1800/90 ms, number of signals averaged [NEX]=2, scan time=7:16 min), a TSE sequence (TR/TE 1800/90 ms, NEX=4, number of echos per excitation=13, echo spacing=12.9 ms, scan time=4:16 min) and a T1-weighted SE sequence (TR/TE 350/15 ms, NEX=2, scan time=4:21 min) were obtained and image quality, lesion detectability and lesion differentiation were evaluated qualitatively by subjective assessment using scores and quantitatively by lesion-liver contrast-to-noise (CNR) and tumour/liver signal intensity (SI) ratios. The image quality of the TSE sequence was substantially better compared with the T2-weighted SE sequence due to a reduction in motion artefacts and better delineation of anatomical details. Of a total of 158 visible lesions the T1-weighted SE, TSE, and T2-weighted SE sequences showed 91%, 81% and 65% of the lesions, respectively. Thus the TSE sequence depicted 24% (P< 0.001) more lesions than the T2-weighted SE sequence. In all types of pathology the lesion-liver CNR of the TSE sequence was significantly (P< 0.001) higher compared to the CNR of the T2-weighted SE sequence (+ 55–65%), indicating superior lesion conspicuity. Lesion characterization was equally good on the two T2-weighted sequences with no difference in the tumour/liver SI ratio. Using a criterion of tumour/liver SI ratio equal to or higher than 2, haemangiomas larger than 1 cm in diameter could be differentiated from other lesions with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 96%, respectively. Our results indicate that the TSE sequence is suitable for replacing the conventional T2-weighted SE sequence in MRI of focal liver lesions.This paper was presented at ECR 1993 Correspondence to: B. Kreft     

Detection of asymptomatic cerebral microbleeds: a comparative study at 1.5 and 3.0 T

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The magnitude of iron-induced susceptibility changes in gradient echo T2*-weighted magnet resonance imaging (T2* MRI) increases with the field strength and should increase the sensitivity for detection of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) at 3.0 T. To test these hypotheses, we prospectively examined individuals with documented CMBs at 1.5 and 3.0 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred fifty elderly individuals, who participated in an interdisciplinary study of healthy aging, were examined at 3.0 T using T2* MRI sequences (repetition time [TR]/echo time [TE]/flip angle [FA] = 573 ms/16 ms/18 degrees ). Individuals positive for CMBs were asked to undergo an additional examination at 1.5 T (TR/TE/FA = 663 ms/23 ms/18 degrees ). Images were analyzed independently by two observers. CMBs were counted throughout the brain and were qualitatively analyzed comparing the degree of visible hypointensity on a 5-point scale from 1 (complete signal loss) to 5 (no detection) for both field strengths. Contrast-to-noise ratio of CMBs to surrounding brain tissue was calculated. RESULTS: At 3.0 T, CMBs were detected in 45 of 550 individuals; 25 agreed to an additional examination at 1.5 T. In this group (n = 25), a total of 53 CMBs were detected at 3.0 T, compared to 41 CMBs at 1.5 T. The mean contrast-to-noise ratio of CMBs was significantly increased at 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T (27.4 +/- 8.2 vs. 17.4 +/- 8.0; p < .001). On qualitative analysis, visibility of CMBs was ranked significantly higher at 3.0 T (1.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.9 +/- 1.1; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Evidence of past microbleeds may even be found in neurologically normal elderly individuals by MRI. Detection rate and visibility of CMBs benefit from the higher field strength, resulting in a significantly improved depiction of iron-containing brain structures (CMBs) at 3.0 T with potential clinical relevance.     

Effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide on tumor‐to‐liver contrast at T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo MRI: Comparison between 3.0T and 1.5T MR systems

Purpose

To compare 3.0T and 1.5T MR systems in terms of the effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) on tumor‐to‐liver contrast in T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo MRI.

Materials and Methods

SPIO‐enhanced gradient‐echo MR images of the liver with four different TEs (3, 5.3, 6.5, and 8.5 msec) were obtained by means of 1.5T and 3.0T systems. Quantitative analyses of relative signal intensities (SIs) and relative tumor contrast and qualitative analyses of image quality and lesion conspicuity of the liver were performed in 22 patients, 16 of whom had malignant liver tumors.

Results

With both 1.5T and 3.0T, at TE = 8.4 msec, the relative SI of liver and relative tumor contrast were significantly (P < 0.01) lower and higher, respectively, than that for any of the other TEs. There were no significant differences in the relative SI of the liver, relative tumor contrast, image quality, and tumor conspicuity for the same TE between the 1.5T and 3.0T systems.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the effect of SPIO on tumor‐to‐liver contrast at T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo imaging was similar for the 1.5T and 3.0T systems, and that the 8.4‐msec TE was optimal of the four TEs used in this study at 3.0T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:595–600. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

3.0-T high-field magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis: preliminary experiences

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if 3.0 T allows for clinically useful pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, i.e. if familiar image quality and tissue contrast can be achieved at 3.0 T as compared with at 1.5 T. Adapting a 1.5-T protocol to the 3.0-T environment is subject to a variety of factors. In order to reduce the number of potential variables, we chose two cornerstones: the 3.0-T sequence should have similar spatial resolution and acquisition time; furthermore, the contrast parameters repetition time (TR) and echo time (TE) were kept identical. Based on this modified 3.0-T T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (TR/TE 2,705/80 ms; 0.7×1.04×4 mm measured voxel size; field of view 360 mm; 4.03-min scan time) we performed an intraindividual study on 19 patients with the 1.5-T sequence as the standard of reference. Two radiologists analyzed the examinations in consensus with regard to tissue contrast (visualization of zonal anatomy of the uterus and/or delineation of pathologic findings) rated on a three-point scale (3 is 3.0 T better; 2 is 3.0 T equal; 1 is 3.0 T worse than 1.5 T). In addition, the signal difference between muscle and bone marrow was measured as a marker for tissue contrast. The analysis of the image quality comprised the level of the artifacts (rated on a five-point scale: 1 is no artifacts; 5 is nondiagnostic study), the visual signal-to-noise ratio (rated on a three-point scale) and detail delineation. Only minor artifacts were observed at both 1.5 and 3.0 T; the difference was not statistically significant. The visual signal-to-noise ratio and the delineation of image details were rated equal for 1.5 and 3.0 T. With regard to image contrast, both qualitative analysis as well as quantitative analysis revealed comparable image contrast for the 1.5- and 3.0-T protocols. Pathological findings were seen equally well with both field strengths. Clinically diagnostic pelvic studies of high image quality can be obtained using a 3.0-T scanner with our modified examination protocol. To fully exploit the capability of the high-field technique, and to point out potential advantages, further intraindividual studies are needed, with the adjustment of other imaging parameters to the high-field environment.     

颅脑MRI快速液体衰减反转回复技术探讨

目的：探讨快速液体衰减反转回复（ＦＬＡＩＲ）技术原理及其在颅脑的临床应用。材料与方法：对４０例健康志愿者及１２４例颅脑疾患患者前瞻性地进行快速ＦＬＡＩＲ及Ｔ２加权序列ＭＲ检查，并比较了快速ＦＬＡＩＲ上不同ＴＲ、ＴＩ（间隔时间）、ＴＥ组合所得图像质量。结果：ＴＲ／ＴＩ／ＴＥ为８０００／２０００／２００毫秒的组合能较好地抑制脑脊液信号。ＦＬＡＩＲ与快速自旋回波Ｔ２加权序列比较，能增加病灶的对比度，从而     

The influence of MR field strength on the detection of focal liver lesions with superparamagnetic iron oxide

The purpose of this study was to compare the value of low- vs high-field MR systems in the detection of focal liver lesions after IV administration of iron oxide particles. A prospective study was undertaken which included 20 patients with focal liver lesions on CT or US, or strong clinical suspicion of focal liver disease. Iron oxide particles were administered in an IV drip infusion over 30 min. Magnetic resonance imaging was subsequently performed on a 0.2 and a 1.5-T system. Both examinations were performed in one session. Turbo spin-echo T2-weighted sequences were used for further analysis (at 0.2 T: TR 4050 ms, TE 96 ms; 1.5 T: TR 3000 ms, TE 103 ms). After randomisation, images were analysed by two blinded readers. The evaluation included lesion counts, determination of lesion conspicuity and overall image quality (both graded on a scale 1–5). Quantitative analysis was performed on 29 lesions. Lesion-to-liver signal intensity and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated. The total lesion count (cumulative counts for two observers) was 59 on the high-field system and 63 on the low-field system. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. On both systems median value for lesion conspicuity was 3. No statistically significant difference was found. Global image quality was rated higher on the high-field system: 3 vs 2 for the low-field system (p = 0.0017). Quantitative analysis showed no significant difference for lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratios or CNRs. Although subjective image quality is significantly better on the high-field system, this does not result in better lesion detection or better lesion conspicuity. No significant difference in objective quantitative parameters was found in our series. Received 25 June 1996; Revision received 28 October 1996; Accepted 25 November 1996     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of pyogenic intraventricular empyema

Introduction Pyogenic intraventricular empyema (PIE) is a potentially fatal CNS infection. However, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose PIE on the basis of clinical and conventional MRI findings. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been accepted as a useful MR sequence for the diagnosis of various intracranial infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the DWI characteristics of PIE and the role of DWI in the diagnosis of PIE. Methods Eight patients with PIE underwent MRI including DWI. We assessed the presence and signal characteristics of PIE. In seven patients, the signal intensities of the PIE and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) percentage was calculated. ADC values of the PIE, CSF, and white matter were also determined. Results PIE was detected in all patients by DWI, in five (63%) by FLAIR imaging, and in two (25%) by T1- and T2-weighted imaging. The CNR percentages of the PIEs in relation to the CSF were highest for DWI, followed by FLAIR, T1-, and T2-weighted imaging. There were statistically significant differences between the images of each sequence. In all patients, PIE showed hyperintensities on DWI and hypointensities to the CSF and hypo- or isointensities to the white matter on ADC maps. The ADC values (mean±SD) of the PIE, CSF, and white matter were 0.60±0.27, 2.81±0.04, and 0.79±0.08 (×10⁻³ mm²/s). There was a statistically significant difference between PIE and the CSF. Conclusion PIE shows a bright intensity on DWI, and DWI is a sensitive MR sequence for the diagnosis of PIE.     

Discrimination of benign from malignant hepatic lesions based on their T2-relaxation times calculated from moderately T2-weighted turbo SE sequence

The differentiation of hemangioma from other hepatic neoplasms using MRI usually relies on the evaluation of heavily T2-weighted images. The aim of this study was to assess the value of T2-relaxation times calculated from moderately T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequence in characterization of focal hepatic lesions, including hepatic malignancies, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hemangioma, and cyst. Fifty-two patients with 114 proven lesions (61 malignant masses, 6 focal nodular hyperplasias, 28 hemangiomas, 19 cystic lesions) were examined on 1.5-T system using a double-echo TSE sequence (TR=1800 ms; TE(eff) 1=40 ms; TE(eff) 2=120 ms). Signal intensities (SI) of the liver as well as SI of all lesions were measured, and then the T2-relaxation times were calculated. The mean T2 time for the liver was 54 ms (+/-8 ms), for FNH 66 ms (+/-7 ms), for malignant hepatic lesions 85 ms (+/-17 ms), for hemangiomas 155 ms (+/-35 ms), and for cystic lesions 583 ms (+/-369) ms. Most malignant hepatic lesions were best differentiated between the thresholds of 67 and 116 ms, generating a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 94%. There were six false-negative diagnoses of malignant tumor and three false-positive cases (two hemangiomas and one FNH). Calculation of the T2-relaxation times obtained from the double-echo TSE sequence with moderate T2-weighting allowed differentiation between malignant and benign hepatic lesions with high sensitivity and specificity.