Abstract
BackgroundFaster and motion robust magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are desirable in fetal brain MRI. T1-weighted images are essential for evaluating fetal brain development. We optimized the radial volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence for qualitative T1-weighted images of the fetal brain with improved image contrast and reduced motion sensitivity.Materials and methodsThis was an institutional review board-approved prospective study. Thirty-five pregnant subjects underwent fetal brain scan at 3 Tesla MRI. T1-weighted images were acquired using a 3D radial VIBE sequence with flip angles of 6º, 9º, 12º, and 15º. T1-weighted images of Cartesian VIBE sequence were acquired in three of the subjects. Qualitative assessments including image quality and motion artifact severity were evaluated. The image contrast ratio between gray and white matter were measured. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsInterobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability universally revealed almost perfect agreement (ICC > 0.800). Significant differences in image quality were detected in basal ganglia (P = 0.023), central sulcus (P = 0.028), myelination (P = 0.007) and gray matter (P = 0.023) among radial VIBE with flip angles 6º, 9º, 12º, 15º. Image quality at the 9º flip angle in radial VIBE was generally better than flip angle of 15º. Radial VIBE sequence with 9º flip angle of gray matter was significantly different by gestational age (GA) before and after 28 weeks (P = 0.036). Quantified image contrast was significantly different among different flip angles, consistent with qualitative analysis of image quality.ConclusionsThree-dimensional radial VIBE with 9º flip angle provides optimal, stable T1-weighted images of the fetal brain. Fetal brain structure and development can be evaluated using high-quality images obtained using this angle. However, different scanners will achieve different TRs and so the FA should be re-optimized each time a new protocol is employed.
Highlights
As a non-invasive medical imaging technique with high resolution and non-ioninzing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in assessmentLiao et al BMC Medical Imaging (2022) 22:11 of the fetus [1]
Significant differences in image quality were detected in basal ganglia (P = 0.023), central sulcus (P = 0.028), myelination (P = 0.007) and gray matter (P = 0.023) among radial volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) with flip angles 6o, 9o, 12o, 15o
Radial VIBE sequence with 9o flip angle of gray matter was significantly different by gestational age (GA) before and after 28 weeks (P = 0.036)
Summary
As a non-invasive medical imaging technique with high resolution and non-ioninzing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in assessmentLiao et al BMC Medical Imaging (2022) 22:11 of the fetus [1]. T1WI contrast may be used to visualize regions of protein, calcification, hemorrhage, and fat It is capable of displaying brain structures and the changes from hypo- to hyper-intensity to reflect the maturation of myelin to some degree. Myelination, lamination, and migration are essential in brain development. These processes must occur correctly to form normal brain structure. Finding high-resolution T1WI by which to assess brain structure and level of myelination is important for assessment of the fetal nervous system. Faster and motion robust magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are desirable in fetal brain MRI. We optimized the radial volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence for qualitative T1-weighted images of the fetal brain with improved image contrast and reduced motion sensitivity
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