Improved intracranial lesion characterization by tissue segmentation based on a 3D feature map

Our aim was to develop an accurate multispectral tissue segmentation method based on 3D feature maps. We utilized proton density (PD), T₂-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE), and T₁-weighted spin-echo images as inputs for segmentation. Phantom constructs, cadaver brains, an animal brain tumor model and both normal human brains and those from patients with either multiple sclerosis (MS) or primary brain tumors were analyzed with this technique. Initially, misregistration, RF inhomogeneity and image noise problems were addressed. Next, a qualified observer identified samples representing the tissues of interest. Finally, k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN) was utilized to create a stack of color-coded segmented images. The inclusion of T₁ based images, as a third input, produced significant improvement in the delineation of tissues. In MS, our 3D technique was found to be far superior to that based on any combination of 2D feature maps (P < 0.001). We identified at least two distinctly different classes of lesions within the same MS plaque, representing different stages of the disease process. Further, we obtained the regional distribution of MS lesion burden and followed its changes over time. Neuropsychological aberrations were the clinical counterpart of the structural changes detected in segmentation. We could also delineate the margins of benign brain tumors. In malignant tumors, up to four abnormal tissues were identified: 1) a solid tumor core, 2) a cystic component, 3) edema in the white matter, and 4) areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. Subsequent neurosurgical exploration confirmed the distribution of tissues as predicted by this analysis.     

Contrast agents in functional MR imaging

Contrast agents have greatly expanded the role of MR imaging (MRI) to allow assessment of physiologic, or “functional,” parameters. Although activation mapping generally does not require contrast agents, other forms of functional MRI, including mapping of cerebral hemodynamics (eg, perfusion imaging), are best done with the use of contrast agents. Serial echo planar images are obtained after bolus injection of lanthanide chelates. Application of susceptibility contrast physics and standard tracer kinetic principles permits generation of relative cerebral blood volume maps. Deconvolution of cerebral blood flow and mean transit time parameters is also possible within technical limitations. By using diffusion and perfusion pulse sequences, an imaging correlate to the ischemic penumbra can be identified. Functional MRI perfusion imaging of intraaxial tumors is analogous to positron emission tomography for delineation of metabolic activity, yet may be even more sensitive to neovascularity and possesses improved image quality. Clinical applications include biopsy site selection and postirradiation follow-up. Further improvements in data analysis and map generation techniques may improve diagnostic accuracy and utility.     

听神经瘤的MRI诊断(20例报告)

回顾分析了20例22个听神经瘤的MRI表现。MRI检查采用0.35T超导MT/S成像系统,常规行冠状面T_1加权及横断面T_(1-)T_2加权成像。据瘤体大小将病灶分成4组,包括限于内听道者1例,1-2cm者2例,2.1-3cm者8例,大于3cm者11例,结果表明,T_1加权像对听神经瘤的诊断价值较大,主要依据是CP角内出现与听神经根部相连的肿块或听神经明显增粗;大于2cm的听神经瘤多可发生囊变、出血及脑干、Ⅳ脑室受压。除可发现位于内听道内的微小肿瘤外,MRI在肿瘤囊变、出血、周围结构受压情况、肿瘤供血血管及肿瘤与周围粘连情况的显示上均具有一定的优越性。     

Characterization and prediction of gradient acoustic noise in MR imagers

Gradient acoustic noise has been measured and characterized for an epoxy-potted, shielded gradient assembly in a 1.5 T MRI system. Noise levels vary by 10 dB or more as a function of longitudinal position in the scanner and reflect the pattern of forces applied to the gradient assembly. The noise level increases slightly (1–3 dB) with a patient in the scanner. The spectrum of the noise is similar (but not identical) to the spectrum of the input signal. A gradient-pulse-to-acoustic-noise transfer function was obtained by using a white noise voltage input to the gradient system. The transfer function enabled us to accurately predict acoustic noise output for a pulse sequence consisting of a series of trapezoidal pulses on a single axis and for a clinical fast spin echo sequence with gradients present on all three axes.     

Segmental hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI of the liver: Indication of segmental cholestasis

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between segmental hyperintensity of the liver on T1-weighted images and segmental cholestasis in patients with obstructive jaundice. T1-weighted and T2-weighted MR images were obtained of 73 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by various diseases. Fat-suppressed T1-weighted images were also obtained of 10 patients. Eleven patients with segmental intra-hepatic bile duct dilatation (cholestasis) showed segmental hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and/or fat-suppressed T1-weighted images and no signal intensity difference on T2-weighted images. Sixty-two patients with widespread intrahepatic bile duct dilatation showed no intensity difference on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images (P < .01). Segmental hyperintensity on T1-weighted images was correlated with intrahepatic cholestasis.     

Gd-DTPA在MRI中的诊断作用

目的:探讨Gd-DTPA在MRI中的诊断作用。材料与方法:总结分析了被确诊的378例(402人次)患者应用Gd-DTPA增强检查后的效果。对肿瘤、感染、梗塞等病变的强化特点进行了讨论。结果:使用Gd-DTPA后,有23例平扫时误诊的病例得到了纠正,并发现了MRI平扫时未能发现的一些病变,诸如管内型听神经瘤、脑膜炎、脑(脊)膜的转移性病变等。但是,作者还同时发现即使在用了Gd-DTPA之后,仍有多种病变存在鉴别诊断上的困难。结论:合理使用增强检查,将有助于提高诊断的符合率。     

MR-Guided percutaneous ethanol ablation of liver tissue in a .2-T open MR system: Preliminary study in porcine model

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of MR-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation of liver tissue on a .2-T open MR scanner. Needles were placed by MR guidance first into an ex vivo sheep liver and then into livers of three anesthetized pigs, and injection of 10 ml of 96% alcohol was performed. T1 fast low-angle shot (FLASH), T2 turbo spin echo (TSE), and T1 spin echo (SE) images were obtained after incremental volumes of injection. In one pig, simultaneous injection of saline into normal liver was also performed with subsequent pathological correlation. Ethanol-infiltrated liver was hypointense to liver on all sequences, whereas saline caused no tissue signal changes on T1 SE and either isointense or hyperintense changes on T2 TSE images. Pathological examination confirmed ethanol-induced acute liver changes as compared with the control. MR guidance of needle placement and monitoring of ethanol effects on liver tissue is feasible. This may have implications for potential MR-guided hepatic tumor ablation.     

An audit of adverse events in children sedated with chloral hydrate or propofol during imaging studies

We examined records of sedations provided by the paediatric anaesthesiology staff for 455 children (ages 1 mo-17 yr) undergoing MRI or CT scans at our institution over a twelve-month period with regard to the monitoring of adverse events: excessive sedation, agitation, vomiting, hypoxaemia, and major airway compromise. One hundred-and-thirty-one patients (29%) received chloral hydrate; 324 patients (71%) received propofol. All patients were monitored with continuous noninvasive pulse oximetry and received supplemental oxygen via nasal cannulae. Of the patients who received chloral hydrate, 64 (49%) were over one year of age; of the patients who received propofol, 318 (98%) were one year of age or older. In the chloral hydrate group, 23 patients (19%) were deemed excessively sedated and four patients (3%) were agitated; no patients in the propofol group experienced any of the adverse outcomes reviewed. Furthermore, no patients in either group had significant airway compromise and none was admitted to the hospital as a result of the sedation.     

舌咽、迷走、副神经和舌下神经的解剖及影像学表现

CT和MRI是研究舌咽、迷走、副神经和舌下神经解剖和神经病变的重要方式，软组织肿块在MRI图像上有特征表现，CT则对骨质的改变十分敏感．就舌咽、迷走、副神经和舌下神经的正常解剖、影像学检查技术和部分神经病变作一综述．