Inversion Recovery Pulse Research Articles

A novel nuclear spin–lattice relaxation filter for separating the free and absorbed water in a matrix of titanate nanotubes

In complex systems nuclear spin–lattice relaxation (NSLR) often deviates from single-exponential. The existing methods require elaborate analyses to extract the relaxation time ( T 1). This Letter introduces a novel approach using a standard inversion-recovery pulse segment as a filter for different components and a composite pulse to measure only the decay of the selected component. In a sample of titanate nanotubes embedded in deuterated water, this approach was used to conclusively differentiate between double-exponential and stretched-exponential NSLR. T 1 was determined individually for D 2O inside nanotubes and outside. It suggested that water fully occupies the inside of nanotubes.

Measurement of15N csa/dipolar cross-correlation rates by means of Spin State Selective experiments

We propose a method for the determination of (15)N csa/dipolar cross-correlation rates based on the measurement of the two apparent transverse (or longitudinal) relaxation rates associated with each component of the nitrogen doublet (N(alpha) and N(beta)). This is achieved by inserting a spin state selective scheme in conventional inverse Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (or inversion-recovery) pulse sequence which allows for the edition of a HSQC-type spectrum for each of the spin states. Transverse cross-correlation rates necessitate two independent sets of measurements (for N(alpha) and N(beta), respectively), whereas for longitudinal cross correlation rates, besides N(alpha) and N(beta) measurements, the method requires the knowledge of both the (15)N longitudinal auto-relaxation rate and the longitudinal two-spin order (2NzHz) auto-relaxation rate. These additional parameters are mandatory because of the non-exponential behavior of the N(alpha) and N(beta) longitudinal decays. Conversely, the present method does not require any complex manipulation of 2D spectra, the cross-correlation rates being obtained from the difference of the two (N(alpha) and N(beta)) apparent relaxation rates. This approach is applied to (15)N-labelled ubiquitin at two different magnetic fields (9.4 T and 14.1 T).

Efficacy of Contrast Medium Use at 3.0 T: A Study Employing Different T1-weighted Pulse Sequences

Purpose: In conventional SE imaging at 3.0-T contrast suffers due to the increase of T1 relaxation times. Hence, an inversion recovery pulse is favored in combination with FSE sequences to improve the gray to white matter contrast. As the temporal signal evolution in T1 sequences differs, warranting a direct comparison of various T1-weighted imaging sequences to assess the T1-shortening effect of Gd-DTPA (dimeglumine) and its enhancing effect on pathologies with blood-brain-barrier disruption.

Computer assessment of neurodegeneration in Parkinson disease using data fusion techniques with MR images

Rationale and Objectives. Recently developed MR imaging techniques using inversion recovery are a sensitive tool to identify and quantify morphologic changes in the substantia nigra due to neurodegeneration. Using a semi-automated computer segmentation technique to isolate the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN C), we propose a colored image fusion technique to visually assess the sites of damage in the SN C and integrate the information obtained from two implemented inversion-recovery sequences. Patients and Methods. Six patients and six age-matched control subjects were scanned using a combination of two MR imaging inversion-recovery (IR) pulse sequences. A subgroup of them was used to develop our technique. Images were blended together into a final (RGBA) image, where A stands for the α channel describing transparency. Results. Abnormalities in the SN C can be accurately assessed in location, shape, and variations of signal intensities within the segmented SN C by varying the transparency (α) channel of the color fusion image. Several previous findings such as the lateral–medial gradient of signal change and a ventral–dorsal broadening of the pars compacta are accompanied by an overall mild-to-severe heterogeneity of neurodegeneration patterns. Conclusion. Color fusion techniques revealed subtle changes in the neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra in Parkinson disease, which can be helpful for an objective and hence effective visual assessment of disease progression.

Combining two single-shot imaging techniques with slice-selective and non-slice-selective inversion recovery pulses: new strategy for native MR angiography based on the long T1 relaxation time and inflow properties of blood.

Combining two single-shot imaging techniques with slice-selective and non-slice-selective inversion recovery pulses: new strategy for native MR angiography based on the long T1 relaxation time and inflow properties of blood.

Synthesis and Relaxivity of α-Oxo-γ-Ethoxycarbonylbutanoic Acid Thiosemicarbazone Rare Earth Complexes

ABSTRACT The rare earth metal complexes of α-oxo-γ-ethoxy carbonylbutanoic acid thiosemicarbazone (HEAT) have been synthesized in the template reaction when LnCl3·nH2O was added to the system dissolved α-oxopentanedioic acid and thiosemicarbazide in anhydrous ethanol and refluxed on a water bath. Although α-oxopentanedioic acid thiosemicarbazone (H2PAT) can be synthesized in the system without LnCl3·nH2O, HEAT cannot be formed under analogous conditions. This proves that the compounds LnCl>3·nH2O have a catalytic effect on the esterification reaction. The composition and nature of the complexes are characterized by elemental analyses, thermal analyses, UV, IR, and 1H NMR spectra. In addition, the relaxivity (R1) of the Gd-complex has been determined by the INVLNC.Au program using inversion recovery pulse sequences, R1=8.10 mmol·L−1·s−1.

T1-insensitive flow suppression using quadruple inversion-recovery.

A new flow suppression method has been proposed for the acquisition of blood-suppressed (black-blood) images in combination with administration of a positive contrast agent. The technique employs the quadruple inversion-recovery (QIR) preparative pulse sequence, which consists of two double-inversion modules followed by two delays. Within each double inversion, a nonselective RF pulse is immediately followed by a slice-selective one. The time intervals of the sequence can be calculated using an algorithm based on minimization of the variation of a signal equation over an entire range of T(1) occurring in blood before and after contrast administration. QIR is highly insensitive to variations of T(1), providing efficient suppression of a flow signal with T(1) in a range of 200-1200 ms. The technique utilizes identical scan parameters for pre- and postcontrast acquisition, and thus allows reliable quantitative interpretation of contrast enhancement (CE). The clinical application of QIR was demonstrated in high-resolution, contrast-enhanced, black-blood imaging of atherosclerotic plzzaque.

Rapid method for correction of CSF partial volume in quantitative proton MR spectroscopic imaging.

Partial volume effects with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), if uncorrected, can lead to underestimation of metabolite concentrations in quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the brain. A rapid method for the correction of CSF partial volume effects is described based on selective CSF imaging using long echo time (TE) fast spin echo (FSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to achieve maximum suppression of signal from brain parenchyma, the FSE sequence is coupled with an inversion recovery (IR) pulse. Scan time is minimized using single shot (SS) IR-FSE. The method is validated against a current "gold standard" for the determination of CSF volumes, namely, segmented 3D spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) scans. Excellent agreement in CSF percentage determined by the two methods was found (linear regression analysis: slope = 0.99 +/- 0.02, intercept = 2.08 +/- 0.45; mean +/- standard errors, R = 0.93) in pooled data from four healthy subjects. An example of the use of SS-IR-FSE for partial volume correction in a leukodystrophy patient with T(2) hyperintense lesions is demonstrated. SS-IR-FSE is a simple and rapid method for applying partial volume corrections in quantitative proton MRSI, which may be of particular value in the clinical environment when time constraints do not allow longer, perhaps more accurate segmentation methods to be used.

Test‐retest reproducibility of quantitative CBF measurements using FAIR perfusion MRI and acetazolamide challenge

The reproducibility of quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements using MRI with arterial spin labeling and acetazolamide challenge was assessed in 12 normal subjects, each undergoing the identical experimental procedure on two separate days. CBF was measured on a 1.5T scanner using a flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) pulse sequence, performed both at baseline and 12 min after intravenous administration of acetazolamide. T(1) was measured in conjunction with the FAIR scan in order to calculate quantitative CBF. The CBF maps were segmented to separate gray matter (GM) from white matter (WM) for region-of-interest (ROI) analyses. Post- acetazolamide CBF values (ml/100 g/min, mean +/- SD) of 87.5 +/- 12.5 (GM) and 46.1 +/- 10.8 (WM) represented percent increases of 37.7% +/- 24.4% (GM) and 40.1% +/- 24.4% (WM). Day-to-day differences in baseline CBF were -1.7 +/- 6.9 (GM) and -1.4 +/- 4.7 (WM) or, relative to the mean CBF over both days for each subject, -2.5% +/- 11.7% (GM) and -3.8% +/- 13.6% (WM) Day- to-day differences in absolute post-ACZ CBF increase were -2.5 +/- 6.8 (GM) and 2.7 +/- 9.4 (WM) or, relative to the mean CBF increase over both days for each subject, -4.7% +/- 13.3% (GM) and 9.1% +/- 26.2% (WM). Thus, FAIR- based CBF measurements show satisfactory reproducibility from day to day, but with sufficient variation to warrant caution in interpreting longitudinal data. The hemispheric asymmetry of baseline CBF and post-acetazolamide CBF increases varied within a narrower range and should be sensitive to small changes related to disease or treatment.

Intraportal venous flow distribution: evaluation with single breath-hold ECG-triggered three-dimensional half-Fourier fast spin-echo MR imaging and a selective inversion-recovery tagging pulse.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraportal blood flow distribution from splenic and superior mesenteric veins with an unenhanced MR angiographic technique using single breath-hold ECG-triggered three-dimensional (3D) half-Fourier fast spin-echo sequence and selective inversion-recovery tagging pulse. Seventeen healthy volunteers were included in this prospective study. After obtaining regular single breath-hold ECG-triggered 3D half-Fourier fast spin-echo images without applying a tagging pulse, we placed the selective inversion-recovery tagging pulse on the superior mesenteric vein (TAG-A), the splenic vein (TAG-B), or on both (TAG-C) to study the inflow correlation of tagged or marked blood into the portal vein. MR images were evaluated subjectively by three reviewers. On MR images obtained using the TAG-A pulse to suppress the signal flow from the superior mesenteric vein into the portal vein, the most common pattern of signal loss was observed on the right half of the main portal vein (8/17 subjects). Conversely, on the MR images obtained using the TAG-B pulse, signal loss of the left half of the main portal vein was the most common pattern (11/17 subjects). Signal reduction from the splenic venous flow in the left portal vein was significantly greater than that from the superior mesenteric venous flow (p<0.05). The unenhanced MR angiographic technique using single breath-hold ECG-triggered 3D half-Fourier fast spin echo with selective inversion-recovery tagging pulse has the potential to assess the intraportal blood flow distribution from the splenic and superior mesenteric veins.

Localization of post-traumatic trochlear nerve palsy associated with hemorrhage at the subarachnoid space by magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE: To report evaluation of traumatic trochlear nerve palsy using head magnetic resonance imaging. DESIGN: Observational case reports. METHODS: We examined two cases involving trochlear nerve palsy after closed head injury. RESULTS: Using a fluid attenuated inversion recovery pulse sequence, MRI showed a high-intensity lesion consistent with subarachnoid hemorrhage at the trochlear nerve area in the ambient cisterns. CONCLUSION: An impact force directed toward the tentorium can be a mechanism of injury in some post-traumatic trochlear nerve palsies. Fluid attenuated inversion recovery pulse sequence is a sensitive method for detection of abnormalities in cases associated with head injury.

Contributions of an Adiabatic Initial Inversion Pulse and K-space Re-ordered by Inversion-time at each Slice Position (KRISP) to Control of CSF Artifacts and Visualization of the Brain in FLAIR Magnetic Resonance Imaging

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequences for control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood flow artifacts in imaging of the brain. The first of these sequences had an initial sinc inversion pulse which was followed by conventional k-space mapping. The second had an initial sinc inversion pulse followed by k-space re-ordered by inversion time at each slice position (KRISP) and the third had an adiabatic initial inversion pulse followed by KRISP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with established disease were studied with all three pulse sequences. Seven were also studied with the adiabatic KRISP sequence after contrast enhancement. Their images were evaluated for patient motion artifact, CSF and blood flow artifact as well as conspicuity of the cortex, meninges, ventricular system, brainstem and cerebellum. The conspicuity of lesions and the degree of enhancement were also evaluated. RESULTS: Both the sinc and adiabatic KRISP FLAIR sequences showed better control of CSF and blood flow artifacts than the conventional FLAIR sequence. In addition the adiabatic KRISP FLAIR sequence showed better control of CSF artifact at the inferior aspect of the posterior fossa. The lesion conspicuity was similar for each of the FLAIR sequences as was the degree of contrast enhancement to that shown with a T1weighted spin echo sequence. CONCLUSION: The KRISP FLAIR sequence controls high signal artifacts from CSF flow and blood flow and the adiabatic pulse controls high signal artifacts due to inadequate inversion of the CSF magnetization at the periphery of the head transmitter coil. The KRISP FLAIR sequence also improves cortical and meningeal definition as a result of an edge enhancement effect. The effects are synergistic and can be usefully combined in a single pulse sequence. Curati, W. L.et al. (2001)Clinical Radiology56, 375–384

Assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity with functional magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of CO 2 and breath holding

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygenation changes following both a simple breath holding test (BHT) and a CO 2 challenge can be detected with functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The BHT has the advantage of not requiring a source of CO 2 and acetazolamide and therefore it can easily be performed during a routine MR examination. In this study we compared global hemodynamic changes induced by breath holding and CO 2 inhalation with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) and CBF sensitized fMRI techniques. During each vascular challenge BOLD and CBF signals were determined simultaneously with a combined BOLD and flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) pulse sequence. There was a good correlation between the global BOLD signal intensity changes during breath holding and CO 2 inhalation supporting the notion that the BHT is equivalent to CO 2 inhalation in evaluating the hemodynamic reserve capacity with BOLD fMRI. In contrast, there was no correlation between relative CBF changes during both vascular challenges, which was probably due to the reduced temporal resolution of the combined BOLD and FAIR pulse sequence.

MRI of disseminated developmental dysmyelination in fukuyama type of CMD

Whether the pathologic origin of white matter lesions in Fukuyama type of congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is delayed myelination or dysmyelination is a controversial issue. This study investigated pathologic distribution in white matter with heavily T 2-weighted images using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequence. For detection of abnormal white matter lesions, FLAIR images were approximately twice as sensitive as T 2-weighted images and five times as sensitive as T 1-weighted images of spin echo sequence. The distribution of the white matter lesions was disseminated and not correlated with cortical disarrangement. The distribution was not consistent with delayed myelination. These findings support the evidence found using in vitro proton-NMR spectroscopy that the pathologic origin of white matter lesions is dysmyelination. When conventional magnetic resonance imaging is used, masked white matter lesions are easy to misidentify as delayed myelination instead of disseminated developmental dysmyelination. The lesions in the white matter of FCMD are masked because of brain development.

Synthesis and relaxivity of polycarboxylic hydrazone rare earth complexes

Synthesis of ligand, α-oxo-pentanedioic acid benzoyl hydrazone (H2LPB), and its six rare earth (La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Er) complexes are reported. The composition and the properties of the complexes were characterized by element analysis, thermal analysis, UV, IR and1H NMR spectra. Besides, relaxivity (R 1) of Gd-complex has been determined by INVREC.Au program, using inversion recovery pulse sequences, R1=8.05 mmol · L−1 · s−1. The acute toxicity of Gd-complex in animal has also been tested, and the median lethal dose (LD50) is equal to (468.2±30) mg/kg.

Diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted sequences.

We evaluated the feasibility and use of diffusion-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery pulse sequences performed as an emergency for patients with acute ischaemic stroke. A 5-min MRI session was designed as an emergency diagnostic procedure for patients admitted with suspected acute ischaemic stroke. We reviewed routine clinical implementation of the procedure, and its sensitivity and specificity for acute ischaemic stroke over the first 8 months. We imaged 91 patients (80 min to 48 h following the onset of stroke). Clinical deficit had resolved in less than 3 h in 15 patients, and the remaining 76 were classified as stroke (59) or stroke-like (17) after hospital discharge. Sensitivity of MRI for acute ischaemic stroke was 98%, specificity 100%. MRI provided an immediate and accurate picture of the number, site, size and age of ischaemic lesions in stroke and simplified diagnosis in stroke-like episodes. The feasibility and high diagnostic accuracy of emergency MRI in acute stroke strongly support its routine use in a stroke centre.

1H magnetic resonance imaging of human lung using inversion recovery turbo spin echo

Evaluation of lung pathologies using magnetic resonance imaging remains limited, primarily due to the lung's low proton density and high density of magnetic field susceptibility gradients. It is hypothesized that visualization of the lung is possible if signal intensity from muscle and/or fat is suppressed or reduced. Using the inversion recovery and frequency selective saturation pulse with a half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) or a segmented, centric reordered turbo spin-echo (TSE) readout, signal intensity and contrast of tissues can be manipulated to enhance the visibility of the lung. Multislice images of the lung from 10 healthy volunteers were acquired with negligible motion artifacts. Peripheral pulmonary vessels appear well delineated. T(1) maps of the lung are also presented; the overall average was 1335 +/- 85 msec and 1245 +/- 93 msec with the volunteers performing breath-holding on end-expiration and end-inspiration, respectively. This difference is statistically significant, at P < 0.01.

Fast FLAIR法におけるクロストーク効果の影響

fast FLAIR法におけるクロストーク効果の影響

Application of Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery pulse sequence in children with tuberous sclerosis.

To evaluate the application of Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequence to increase the sensitivity of detecting tubers in tuberous sclerosis patients compared with fast spin-echo T2-weighted (FSET2W) image, we obtained 12 magnetic resonance (MR) images in 10 patients (mean age = 57.7 months old). Among the 12 examinations, 114 cortical and 128 subcortical tubers were revealed on the FLAIR images, whereas 54 and 72 tubers were found respectively on the FSET2W images. This may be due to the FLAIR pulse sequences remarkably attenuated CSF signals in comparison with the FSET2W images. However, FSET2W image delineated more subependymal nodules than FLAIR imaging did. Gd-DTPA enhanced T1W image is the most suitable pulse sequence to detect giant cell astrocytoma near the foramen of Monro. The results in cases of infants and little children were similar.

MRI image plane nonuniformity in evaluation of ferrous sulphate dosimeter gel (FeGel) by means of T 1-relaxation time

MR image nonuniformity can vary significantly with the spin-echo pulse sequence repetition time. When MR images with different nonuniformity shapes are used in a T 1-calculation the resulting T 1-image becomes nonuniform. As shown in this work the uniformity TR-dependence of the spin-echo pulse sequence is a critical property for T 1 measurements in general and for ferrous sulfate dosimeter gel (FeGel) applications in particular. The purpose was to study the characteristics of the MR image plane nonuniformity in FeGel evaluation. This included studies of the possibility of decreasing nonuniformities by selecting uniformity optimized repetition times, studies of the transmitted and received RF-fields and studies of the effectiveness of the correction methods background subtraction and quotient correction. A pronounced MR image nonuniformity variation with repetition and T 1 relaxation time was observed, and was found to originate from nonuniform RF-transmission in combination with the inherent differences in T 1 relaxation for different repetition times. The T 1 calculation itself, the uniformity optimized repetition times, nor none of the correction methods studied could sufficiently correct the nonuniformities observed in the T 1 images. The nonuniformities were found to vary considerably less with inversion time for the inversion-recovery pulse sequence, than with repetition time for the spin-echo pulse sequence, resulting in considerably lower T 1 image nonuniformity levels.