磁共振-R2*值无创评估铁过载肝脏铁含量的初步研究

目的以病理学结果为对照,研究磁共振R2*成像定量评估铁过载家兔模型肝脏铁含量的可行性及R2*值与肝脏铁含量(LIC)之间的关系。材料与方法成年健康新西兰大白兔32只,随机分成4组,每组各8只(n=8)。A、B、C组每周注射一次铁剂,注射剂量分别为5、10、25 mg/kg体重,共4周。D组不予任何处理。应用MR扫描仪行肝脏的R2StarMap成像,经后处理生成R2*图,由一名经R2*Map成像后处理技术培训的放射科医师采用设置多个小的感兴趣区(ROI)求平均值法测得肝脏的R2*值。MR扫描结束后随即取兔肝作铁含量分析,得到LIC。采用Kruskal-Wallis Test分别对R2*值、肝组织铁含量各组之间的差异性进行分析,多重比较使用Tamhane’sT2法。采用两变量相关分析和曲线拟合分析R2*值和LIC之间的相关性。结果 (1)建模过程中,LIC随注射剂量增加而增加。(2)R2*值与LIC之间符合指数曲线关系,拟合的曲线回归方程为Y=EXP(1.950+16.200X),R=0.894。但当LIC>20.00 mgFe/g干重时,曲线的拟合度差,R仅为0.186。结论 R2*值能较好地反映兔肝脏铁浓度,并与组织学研究得到的肝铁含量呈明显的指数曲线相关。但当LIC较高(>20.00 mgFe/g干重)时,R2*值与LIC之间的相关性明显下降。     

磁共振新技术评估阿尔茨海默病脑内铁沉积

越来越多的研究证明阿尔茨海默病（AD）有脑内铁的代谢紊乱、脑铁沉积增加,且脑内铁的过量沉积与氧化应激及β淀粉样变密切相关,与AD的发生和病情的进展关系密切。MRI可以无创性地检查脑内铁的变化,因而对AD的发病机制、早期诊断及动态监测病情变化具有重要价值。就目前所采用的AD脑铁测量的各种MRI序列及其优缺点进行综述,并介绍尚未应用于AD的定量测量脑铁的新技术。     

磁共振新技术评估阿尔茨海默病脑内铁沉积

越来越多的研究证明阿尔茨海默病(AD)有脑内铁的代谢紊乱、脑铁沉积增加,且脑内铁的过量沉积与氧化应激及β淀粉样变密切相关,与AD的发生和病情的进展关系密切。MRI可以无创性地检查脑内铁的变化,因而对AD的发病机制、早期诊断及动态监测病情变化具有重要价值。就目前所采用的AD脑铁测量的各种MRI序列及其优缺点进行综述,并介绍尚未应用于AD的定量测量脑铁的新技术。     

多回波Dixon技术在非酒精性脂肪肝中脂肪定量及铁沉积的应用进展

非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)病人的肝脏脂肪含量和铁过载与其病情的进展密切相关。基于MRI的水脂分离技术即Dixon技术不仅可以测量肝脏脂肪分数,还可得出R2*弛豫图来反映铁沉积情况,其具有无创性、可重复性等优点,在NAFLD的早期诊断、病情评估及疗效评价中具有重要的临床价值。就多回波Dixon技术在肝脏脂肪定量及铁沉积中的研究进展予以综述。     

MR磁敏感加权成像检出肝硬化铁沉积结节的比较研究

目的:评价磁敏感加权成像(SWI)在肝硬化铁沉积结节(SN)检出中的价值。方法:40例病理证实的肝硬化患者及40例年龄、性别匹配的健康志愿者行MRI检查,扫描序列包括平扫T1WI、T2WI、T2*和SWI。2名腹部影像诊断医师共同评价,肝实质内局灶性低信号定义为SN,3mm以下SN定义为微小SN。计数SN总数目及微小SN数目,将其显示程度分为3个等级。结果:对照组均未见SN检出。40例肝硬化病例中T1WI上有10例无SN检出,T2WI、T2*和SWI均检出了SN。SWI检出SN的总数目、平均数目和微小SN明显高于T1WI、T2WI,SWI图像上表现为3级对比的SN(95%)明显高于T1WI(10%)、T2WI(10%)和T2*(33%)。结论:SWI能够较常规序列更为敏感的检出SN,且具有更好的图像对比,有望成为肝脏铁过载无创性评价的新方法。     

肝铁过载及MRI无创评估研究进展

肝脏铁的过载可通过产生有害的自由基以及其他一些活性基团导致氧应激及脂质过氧化损伤,从而造成细胞的损害甚至诱发肿瘤.由于组织内铁浓度与敏感性弛豫呈线性关系,故磁共振敏感性弛豫技术是检测肝铁过载无创、简便、安全的方法 .磁化率测量法是目前检测肝铁的最准确的方法 ,但受价格和设备的影响其应用依然受限.     

肝铁过载及MRI无创评估研究进展

肝脏铁的过载可通过产生有害的自由基以及其他一些活性基团导致氧应激及脂质过氧化损伤,从而造成细胞的损害甚至诱发肿瘤。由于组织内铁浓度与敏感性弛豫呈线性关系,故磁共振敏感性弛豫技术是检测肝铁过载无创、简便、安全的方法。磁化率测量法是目前检测肝铁的最准确的方法,但受价格和设备的影响其应用依然受限。     

磁共振相位成像和R2*定量评估阿尔茨海默病脑内铁质沉积

目的：研究显示阿尔茨海默病（AD）患者脑内存在铁质过度沉积,并与B淀粉样变以及氧化应激直接相关。通过磁共振相位值和R2^＊值的测量可以定量评估铁质在脑内的聚积程度。本文的目的在于比较上述两种方法在评估阿尔茨海默脑病患者和年龄匹配的正常老年纽间的差异。方法：阿尔茨海默病患者26例,正常健康老年人24例,前组均经临床神经科医师根据美国国立神经及交流疾病和脑卒中研究院、Alzheimer病及相关疾病协会（NINCDS-ADRDA）关于可能AD拟诊标准作出诊断。采用GESigna HD 1．5T磁共振扫描仪,8通道头线圈,检查序列包括冠状面三维高分辨率梯度回波和快速多回波梯度序列,经后处理获得校正后的相位图和R2。图,在上述两幅功能图上测量相同层面的双侧壳核、苍白球以及双侧海马的头部和体部的参数值。结果：阿尔茨海默脑病组基底节和海马区域的相位值较对照组有明显下降（P〈0．05）。R2^＊值在苍白球部位显示有明显升高（P〈0．05）。右侧海马头部的相位值与MMSE评分具有中等程度相关性（r=0．603,P=0．000）,而与阿尔茨海默病的病程呈负相关（r=-0．677,P=0．013）。以-0．0972作为诊断的最优临界值,诊断阿尔茨海默病的敏感度和特异度分别为95．8％和80．8％。结论：相位成像对于鉴别正常老年人和阿尔茨海默脑病更具敏感度和有效度。研究海马区铁质过多积聚有助于更好地认识阿尔茨海默脑病的病理发展过程和神经精神功能损害的机制。     

磁共振IDEAL-IQ序列对急性胰腺炎状态下胰腺脂肪沉积和铁沉积的评估

【摘要】目的：探讨磁共振非对称回波与最小二乘法估算铁定量的迭代水脂分离（IDEAL-IQ）序列评估急性胰腺炎状态下胰腺脂肪沉积和铁沉积的临床价值。方法：对37例急性胰腺炎患者和22例健康志愿者（对照组）进行上腹部常规及IDEAL-IQ序列MRI扫描,在工作站经图像重建获得脂肪分量（FF）图、弛豫率（R2*）图、水像和脂像,在各组图像上分别测量胰腺的信号值。按照MRSI评级标准,将急性胰腺炎患者分为轻度15例、中度15例、重度7例。比较急性胰腺炎组和对照组中胰腺的脂肪分量（FF）、弛豫率（R2*）、水和脂肪像上的信号值（SI水,SI脂）;对两组间差异有统计学意义的参数,进一步分析其在不同严重程度的急性胰腺炎组间的差异。结果：急性胰腺炎组胰腺的FF值大于对照组,而弛豫率（R2*）和SI水小于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P=0.011、0.002和0.016）,但两组间胰腺SI脂的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。急性胰腺炎组中不同MRSI分级间R2*值的差异有统计学意义（Chi-Square=7.020,P=0.03）;进一步组间两两比较,轻度与中度和重度组间R2*值的差异有统计学意义（P=0.041和0.043）,中度与重度组间R2*值的差异无统计学意义（P=0.612）。结论：急性胰腺炎状态下胰腺实质内可有脂肪沉积,磁共振IDEAL-IQ技术对急性胰腺炎的诊断及分级有一定的临床意义。     

磁共振对人体肝脏铁沉积水平测量的临床价值的研究

人体内铁沉积过量会直接导致心脏衰竭、肝脏衰竭、糖尿病或肝细胞癌等严重并发症。受其影响的病人遍及整个世界。因此作为一项特异性指标，人体肝脏内铁沉积水平的准确测量是临床极为关注的研究课题，常用的肝脏内铁沉积的测量方法是肝脏活组织切片检查，这种方法具有一定的创伤性且容易造成取样误差影响测量值的准确。而血液内铁蛋白检验与铁负荷计算通常被临床认为是准确性较低的方法。因此应用一种对人体无创伤且对于铁元素探测高度敏感的装置对人体肝脏内铁沉积水平进行测量成为目前的研究热点。于是，先驱者们采用磁共振（MR）装置进行了这一伟大尝试。     

Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 Tesla

The quality of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography could be substantially improved over the past several years based on the introduction and application of parallel imaging, new sequence techniques, such as, e.g., centric k-space trajectories, dedicated contrast agents, and clinical high-field scanners. All of these techniques have played an important role to improve image resolution or decrease acquisition time for the dedicated examination of a single vascular territory. However, whole-body MR angiography may be the application with the potential to profit most from these technical advances. The present review article describes the technical innovations with a focus on parallel imaging at high field strength and the impact on whole-body MR angiography. The clinical value of advanced whole-body MR angiography techniques is illustrated by characteristic cases.     

A single breath-hold multiecho T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance technique for diagnosis of myocardial iron overload

PURPOSE: To assess tissue iron concentrations by the use of a gradient echo T2* multiecho technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the results of measurements of heart T2* from 32 patients using the established multiple breath-hold variable TR technique with a new multiecho sequence that acquires all images within a single breath-hold with constant TR. RESULTS: There was good agreement of myocardial T2* values between both methods in the abnormal range of T2* < 20 msec (mean difference 0.2 msec, 95% CI -1.3 to 0.9 msec, r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). The coefficient of variability between the methods was 3.5%. The interstudy reproducibility using the multiecho sequence had a variability coefficient of 2.3% in the abnormal T2* range and 5.8% over all T2* values. There was good agreement between the techniques for the liver T2* values. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the single breath-hold, multiecho acquisition allowed reliable quantification of myocardial T2*. The good reproducibility, speed, and T1 independence of this technique allows greater accuracy, faster patient throughput, and, therefore, reduced costs (which is important in developing countries where thalassemia is most prevalent).     

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.     

Multislice multiecho T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance for detection of the heterogeneous distribution of myocardial iron overload

PURPOSE: To assess the tissue iron concentration of the left ventricle (LV) using a multislice, multiecho T2* MR technique and a segmental analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T2* multiecho MRI was performed in 53 thalassemia major patients. Three short-axis views of the LV were obtained and analyzed with custom-written software. The myocardium was automatically segmented into 12 segments. The T2* value on each segment as well as the global T2* value were calculated. Cine dynamic images were also obtained to evaluate biventricular function parameters by quantitative analysis. RESULTS: For the T2* global value, the coefficient of variation (CoV) for intra-/interobserver and interstudy reproducibility was 3.9% (r = 0.98), 5.5% (r = 0.98), and 4.7% (r = 0.99) respectively. Three groups were identified based on analysis of myocardial T2*: homogeneous (21%), heterogeneous (38%), and no myocardial iron overload (41%). The mean serum ferritin, liver iron concentration, and urinary iron excretion were significantly different among the groups. We did not find significant differences among groups in biventricular function. There was a correlation between the global T2* value and the T2* value in the mid-ventricular septum (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Multislice multiecho T2* MRI provides a noninvasive, fast, reproducible means of assessing myocardial iron distribution. The single measurement of mid-septal T2* correlated well with the global T2* value.     

Renal magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 Tesla using a 32-element phased-array coil system and parallel imaging in 2 directions

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of renal magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 T using a phased-array coil system with 32-coil elements. Specifically, high parallel imaging factors were used for an increased spatial resolution and anatomic coverage of the whole abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Signal-to-noise values and the g-factor distribution of the 32 element coil were examined in phantom studies for the magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequence. Eleven volunteers (6 men, median age of 30.0 years) were examined on a 3.0-T MR scanner (Magnetom Trio, Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA) using a 32-element phased-array coil (prototype from In vivo Corp.). Contrast-enhanced 3D-MRA (TR 2.95 milliseconds, TE 1.12 milliseconds, flip angle 25-30 degrees , bandwidth 650 Hz/pixel) was acquired with integrated generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA), in both phase- and slice-encoding direction. Images were assessed by 2 independent observers with regard to image quality, noise and presence of artifacts. RESULTS: Signal-to-noise levels of 22.2 +/- 22.0 and 57.9 +/- 49.0 were measured with (GRAPPAx6) and without parallel-imaging, respectively. The mean g-factor of the 32-element coil for GRAPPA with an acceleration of 3 and 2 in the phase-encoding and slice-encoding direction, respectively, was 1.61. High image quality was found in 9 of 11 volunteers (2.6 +/- 0.8) with good overall interobserver agreement (k = 0.87). Relatively low image quality with higher noise levels were encountered in 2 volunteers. CONCLUSION: MRA at 3.0 T using a 32-element phased-array coil is feasible in healthy volunteers. High diagnostic image quality and extended anatomic coverage could be achieved with application of high parallel imaging factors.     

Contrast-enhanced first-pass myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging with parallel acquisition at 3.0 Tesla

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T is significantly different than 1.5 T and needs to be optimized due to increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and specific absorption ratio (SAR). This study tests the hypothesis that first-pass myocardial perfusion MRI using saturation recovery (SR)-TrueFISP with parallel imaging is superior to SR-TurboFLASH and a more achievable technique for clinical application at 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Myocardial perfusion imaging was performed on 12 subjects using SR-TurboFLASH and SR-TrueFISP sequences combined with parallel imaging. Four myocardial slices were acquired and evaluated by image segmentation. Quality of the measurements was determined from SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), enhancement-to-noise ratio (ENR), and myocardial perfusion upslope. Data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA with imaging method and segment number as the independent variables. RESULTS: SNR, CNR, ENR, and upslope were significantly higher for SR-TrueFISP versus SR-TurboFLASH (P < 0.001). Significant differences in SNR, CNR, ENR, and upslope were found among the myocardial segments (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Optimized SR-TrueFISP first-pass myocardial perfusion MRI at 3 T has superior image quality compared with SR-TurboFLASH, independent of the myocardial segment analyzed. However, coil sensitivity nonuniformities and dielectric resonance effects cause signal intensity differences between myocardial segments that must be accounted for when interpreting 3 T perfusion studies.     

Cardiac magnetic resonance parallel imaging at 3.0 Tesla: technical feasibility and advantages

PURPOSE: To quantify changes in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), specific absorption rate (SAR), RF power deposition, and imaging time in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with and without the application of parallel imaging at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phantom and volunteer data were acquired at 1.5 T and 3.0 T with and without parallel imaging. RESULTS: Doubling field strength increased phantom SNR by a factor of 1.83. In volunteer data, SNR and CNR values increased by factors of 1.86 and 1.35, respectively. Parallel imaging (reduction factor = 2) decreased phantom SNR by a factor of 1.84 and 2.07 when compared to the full acquisition at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, respectively. In volunteers, SNR and CNR decreased by factors of 2.65 and 2.05 at 1.5 T and 1.99 and 1.75 at 3.0 T, respectively. Doubling the field strength produces a nine-fold increase in SAR (0.0751 to 0.674 W/kg). Parallel imaging reduced the total RF power deposition by a factor of two at both field strengths. CONCLUSIONS: Parallel imaging decreases total scan time at the expense of SNR and CNR. These losses are compensated at higher field strengths. Parallel imaging is effective at reducing total power deposition by reducing total scan time.     

Three-dimensional cerebral contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography at 3.0 Tesla: initial results using highly accelerated parallel acquisition

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate a high spatial resolution 3-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (CE-MR) venography protocol for evaluation of intracranial venous system using highly accelerated parallel imaging at 3.0 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (4 male, 6 female; age, 38-76 years) with suspected cerebrovascular disease were prospectively studied on a 32-channel 3.0 T MR system. After a single intravenous contrast injection, high spatial resolution 3D CE-MR angiography of the entire supraaortic arteries was performed followed immediately by 3D cerebral CE-MR venography. By using a fast 3D gradient-recalled-echo sequence with elliptic centric k-space ordering and highly accelerated parallel acquisition (acceleration factor 3 and 2 in phase and slice encoding direction, respectively), 3D cerebral CE-MR venography was acquired with voxel dimensions of 0.7 x 0.7 x 0.8 mm in 24 seconds. Image evaluation was performed independently by 2 neuroradiologists for overall image quality, presence of noise, and artifacts. The image quality of 30 venous segments was evaluated in each subject using a 1 to 4 scoring scale. In 2 patients, catheter angiography was available for correlation. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using Wilcoxon rank sum test and kappa coefficient. RESULTS: All studies were determined to be of diagnostic image quality by both observers. The majority (90%) of cerebral venous segments were evaluated to be of diagnostic image quality (median, 3; range, 3-4) by both readers and with excellent interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.93). One meningioma invading the superior sagittal sinus and one superior sagittal sinus fistula were detected subsequently confirmed by conventional angiography. CONCLUSION: High spatial resolution 3D cerebral CE-MR venography is feasible and promising. Using a 32-channel 3.0 T system combined with multichannel array coils effectively supports highly accelerated parallel imaging, enabling subsequent acquisition of both high spatial resolution CE-MR angiography and CE-MR venography after a single contrast injection without impairing the image quality. More extensive clinical studies are warranted to establish the range of applications and confirm the accuracy of this technique.     

3.0 Tesla vs 1.5 Tesla breast magnetic resonance imaging in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

AIM:To compare 3.0 Tesla(T) vs 1.5T magnetic resonance(MR) imaging systems in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.METHODS:Upon Institutional Review Board approval,a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Actcompliant retrospective review of 147 consecutive 3.0T MR examinations and 98 consecutive 1.5T MR examinations in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer between 7/2009 and 5/2010 was performed.Eleven patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the 3.0T group were excluded.Mammographically occult suspicious lesions(BIRADS Code 4 and 5) additional to the index cancer in the ipsilateral and contralateral breast were identified.Lesion characteristics and pathologic diagnoses were recorded,and results achieved with both systems compared.Statistical significance was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS:In the 3.0T group,206 suspicious lesions were identified in 55%(75/136) of patients and 96%(198/206) of these lesions were biopsied.In the 1.5T group,98 suspicious lesions were identified in 53%(52/98) of patients and 90%(88/98) of these lesions were biopsied.Biopsy results yielded additional malignancies in 24% of patients in the 3.0T group vs 14% of patients in the 1.5T group(33/136 vs 14/98,P = 0.07).Average size and histology of the additional cancers was comparable.Of patients who had a suspicious MR imaging study,additional cancers were found in 44% of patients in the 3.0T group vs 27% in the 1.5T group(33/75 vs 14/52,P = 0.06),yielding a higher positive predictive value(PPV) for biopsies performed with the 3.0T system.CONCLUSION:3.0T MR imaging detected more additional malignancies in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and yielded a higher PPV for biopsies performed with the 3.0T system.