Proton Density-weighted Spin Echo Research Articles

Assessment of cardiac function, blood flow and myocardial tissue relaxation parameters at 0.35 T.

A low field strength (B0) system could increase cardiac MRI availability for patients otherwise contraindicated at higher field. Lower equipment costs could also broaden cardiac MR accessibility. The current study investigated the feasibility of cardiac function with steady-state free precession and flow assessment with phase contrast (PC) cine images at 0.35 T, and evaluated differences in myocardial relaxation times using quantitative T1, T2 and T2* maps by comparison with 1.5 and 3 T results in a small cohort of six healthy volunteers. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) differences across systems were characterized with proton density-weighted spin echo phantom data. SNR at 0.35 T was lower by factors of 5.5 and 15.0 compared with the 1.5 and 3 T systems used in this study. All cine images at 0.35 T scored 3 or greater on a five-point image quality scale. Normalized blood-myocardium contrast in cine images, left ventricular volumes (end diastolic volume, end systolic volume) and function (ejection fraction and stroke volume) measures at 0.35 T matched 1.5 and 3 T results. Phase-to-noise ratio in 0.35 T PC images (11.7 ± 1.9) was lower than 1.5 T (18.7 ± 5.2) and 3 T (44.9 ± 16.5). Peak velocity and stroke volume determined from PC images were similar across systems. Myocardial T1 increased (564 ± 13 ms at 0.35 T, 955 ± 19 ms at 1.5 T and 1200 ± 35 ms at 3 T) while T2 (59 ± 4 ms at 0.35 T, 49 ± 3 ms at 1.5 T and 40 ± 2 ms at 3 T) and T2* (42 ± 8 ms at 0.35 T, 33 ± 6 ms at 1.5 T and 24 ± 3 ms at 3 T) decreased with increasing B0. Despite SNR deficits, cardiovascular function, flow assessment and myocardial relaxation parameter mapping is feasible at 0.35 T using standard cardiovascular imaging sequences.

MR morphology of triangular fibrocartilage complex: correlation with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties

To evaluate pathology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) using high-resolution morphologic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and compare with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties. Five cadaveric wrists (22-70 years) were imaged at 3 T using morphologic (proton density weighted spin echo, PD FS, and 3D spoiled gradient echo, 3D SPGR) and quantitative MR sequences to determine T2 and T1rho properties. In eight geographic regions, morphology of TFC disc and laminae were evaluated for pathology and quantitative MR values. Samples were disarticulated and biomechanical indentation testing was performed on the distal surface of the TFC disc. On morphologic PD SE images, TFC disc pathology included degeneration and tears, while that of the laminae included degeneration, degeneration with superimposed tear, mucinous transformation, and globular calcification. Punctate calcifications were highly visible on 3D SPGR images and found only in pathologic regions. Disc pathology occurred more frequently in proximal regions of the disc than distal regions. Quantitative MR values were lowest in normal samples, and generally higher in pathologic regions. Biomechanical testing demonstrated an inverse relationship, with indentation modulus being high in normal regions with low MR values. The laminae studied were mostly pathologic, and additional normal samples are needed to discern quantitative changes. These results show technical feasibility of morphologic MR, quantitative MR, and biomechanical techniques to characterize pathology of the TFCC. Quantitative MRI may be a suitable surrogate marker of soft tissue mechanical properties, and a useful adjunct to conventional morphologic MR techniques.

Morphology of the Cartilaginous Endplates in Human Intervertebral Disks with Ultrashort Echo Time MR Imaging

To image human disk-bone specimens by using conventional spin-echo (SE) and ultrashort echo time (TE) techniques, to describe the morphology at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and to identify tissue components contributing to high signal intensity near the cartilaginous endplates (CEPs). This study was exempt from institutional review board approval, and informed consent was not required. Five cadaveric lumbar spines (mean age, 61 years ± 11) were prepared into six sample types containing different combinations of disk, uncalcified CEP, calcified CEP, and subchondral bone components and were imaged with proton density-weighted SE (repetition time msec/TE msec, 2000/15) and ultrashort TE (300/0.008, 6.6, echo-subtraction) sequences. Images were evaluated to determine the presence of intermediate-to-high signal intensity in regions excluding the bone marrow. Logistic regression was used to determine which tissue components were significant predictors of the presence of signal intensity for each MR technique. On ultrashort TE MR images, intact disk/uncalcified CEP/calcified CEP/bone samples exhibited bilaminar intermediate-to-high signal intensity in the region near the CEP, consistent with the histologic appearance of uncalcified and calcified CEPs. Conversely, proton density-weighted SE images exhibited low signal intensity in this region. Results of logistic regression suggested that the presence of uncalcified CEP (P = .023) and calcified CEP (P = .007) in the sample were strong predictors of the presence of signal intensity on ultrashort TE images, whereas the disk was the only predictor (P < .001) of signal intensity on proton density-weighted SE images. Ultrashort TE imaging, unlike proton density-weighted SE imaging, enabled direct visualization of the uncalcified and calcified CEP. Evaluation of the morphology and identification of sources of signal intensity at ultrashort TE MR imaging provides opportunities to potentially aid in the understanding of degenerative disk disease.

Muscular and condylar response to rapid maxillary expansion. Part 2: Magnetic resonance imaging study of the temporomandibular joint

In this prospective clinical study, we used bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) magnetic resonance images (MRIs) to investigate the condylar response to rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Bilaterial MRIs of the TMJs of 18 subjects (11 girls, 7 boys; mean age, 12.54 years; range, 9.75-14.8 years) were assessed. All subjects had unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbites involving 3 or more posterior teeth. There was no control group because of the short observation period. The MRI protocol included closed-mouth parasagittal proton density weighted spin echo and fat-suppressed short T1 inversion recovery sequences. The MRIs were taken before treatment (Tx 1), and at 6 weeks (Tx 2) and at 18 weeks (Tx 3) after treatment. Alterations in the signal intensities of the TMJ region were examined visually by a radiologist who was blinded to the subjects' characteristics. Increased signal intensities appeared as bright areas on the MRIs, indicating red bone marrow edema that is a sign of condylar remodeling. There were no bright areas in the condylar regions at Tx 2 in the 36 TMJs. Bright areas at the condylar region were observed both in proton density and fat-suppressed spin echo sequences at Tx 3 in 32 TMJs. Twenty-two TMJs had bright areas localized at the condylar head, and 10 TMJs had bright areas that extended through both the condyle and the mandibular ramus. No bright areas were seen at Tx 2 or Tx 3 for 4 TMJs. A condylar response to RME was observed in 32 TMJs at 18 weeks after expansion. Both the extensive orthopedic and the functional occlusal forces associated with RME have roles in condylar and ramal responses.

MRI of cortical dysplasia--correlation with pathological findings.

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is the most epileptogenic structural lesion associated with epilepsy and patients with intractable seizures caused by this condition are good surgical candidates. MRI plays an important role in detecting the abnormalities of CD. We clarified the MRI characteristics of CD by comparing imaging and histological findings in 20 patients with intractable seizures who underwent surgical resection. There were 12 males and eight females, mean age at operation was 15 years. MRI was performed at 1.5 tesla; T1-weighted, T2- and proton density-weighted spin-echo and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images were obtained. The lesions were in the frontal lobe in nine cases, temporal in two, occipital in another two, insular in one and multilobar in six. Blurring of the grey/white matter junction was seen in all patients, and T2 prolongation in white matter and/or at the grey/white matter junction in 19. Abnormal signal intensity was more frequent in the white matter or at the grey/white matter junction than in the grey matter. FLAIR images made this abnormal high signal easier to appreciate, and we thought them very useful in this context. In areas of T2 prolongation, we saw dysplastic neurones and/or balloon cells, dysmyelination, and ectopic neuronal clustering histologically; glial proliferation played an important role in prolonging T2.

Malignant hepatic tumor detection with ferumoxides‐enhanced MR imaging with a 1.5‐T system: Comparison of four imaging pulse sequences

The purpose of our study was to compare observer performance in the detection of malignant hepatic tumors with ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained with proton density-weighted spin-echo (SE), T2-weighted fast SE, T2*-weighted gradient-recalled-echo (GRE), and proton density-weighted echo-planar (EP) sequences. Ferumoxides-enhanced MR images obtained with the four sequences in 50 patients with 92 solid malignant and 64 nonsolid benign lesions were retrospectively analyzed. Image review was conducted on a segment-by-segment basis; a total of 397 liver segments was reviewed separately for solid and nonsolid lesions by three independent readers. Observer performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis. Lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio was higher with SE and EP than with GRE and fast SE images for solid lesions (P < 0.05), and higher with fast SE and SE than with GRE images for nonsolid lesions (P < 0.01). Proton density-weighted SE and T2-weighted fast-SE images were superior to T2*-weighted GRE and proton density-weighted EP images for detection of malignant hepatic tumors. T2-weighted fast SE images were the best for detection of nonsolid lesions. T2-weighted fast SE images that were comparable to proton density-weighted SE images for solid tumor detection, that were the best for nonsolid lesion detection, and that had an acquisition time of one third to half of that of SE imaging may be able to replace SE images for ferumoxides-enhanced liver imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:249–257. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN THE EQUINE DIGIT

An anatomic study of the equine digit using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Seventeen isolated forelimbs and one hindleg of nine warmblood horses were imaged in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1.5 Tesla magnet using T1-, T2- proton density-weighted spin echo sequences as well as T2 gradient echo sequences. One scan plane in each horse was compared with corresponding anatomic and histologic sections. The best imaging planes to visualize various anatomic structures were determined. Fibrocartilage was visualized in the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament as well as in the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The correlation of MRI images with anatomic and histologic sections confirmed that all of the anatomic structures in the equine digit could be evaluated in PD and T2 studies.

Liver and spleen enhancement after intravenous injection of carboxydextran magnetite: effect of dose, delay of imaging, and field strength in an ex vivo model.

It has been predicted that liver and spleen enhancement after administration of superparamagnetic contrast agents may be different, depending on the strength of the main magnetic field. With the use of an ex vivo model, we investigated at 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 T the effects on liver and spleen signal intensity of 5, 15, and 45 mumol/kg body weight of dextran magnetite (SHU 555A) in 54 rats. Nine rats served as controls. At different time delays since injection, the animals were killed, and after perfusion with saline, the liver, brain, and spleen were fixed in formalin. The specimens were embedded in an agar gel matrix and imaged with inversion recovery T1-weighted, proton density spin echo, and T2*-weighted gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequences. At each magnetic field strength, peak liver and spleen signal loss increased with increasing dose of the contrast medium. Signal loss was significantly more conspicuous after a dose of 15 than 5 mumol/kg body weight, but not after a dose of 45 compared with 15 mumol/kg. No signal change was observed in the brain. GRE images showed higher enhancement than proton density-weighted spin echo and inversion recovery images but were noisier. The enhancement showed a plateau between 30 min and 24 hours. Only the signal decrease of the liver after a low dose of contrast medium on GRE images was significantly higher (p < 0.01) at 1.5 than at 0.5 and 0.3 T. Other differences in respect to the field strength were less significant (p < 0.05) or nonsignificant. Differences in the spleen enhancement were nonsignificant. SHU 555A at a dose of 15 mumol/kg is an efficient intracellular contrast agent for liver and spleen at low, mid, and high field strength. Proton density spin echo images are probably the sequence of choice to exploit SHU 555A contrast effects and a wide time window for imaging after its intravenous injection does exist.

Magnetic resonance lymphography in rats: Effects of muscular activity and hyperthermia on the lymph node uptake of intravenously injected superparamagnetic iron oxide particles

We investigated the influence of muscular activity and regional body temperature changes on the accumulation of intravenously (i.v.) administered, dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in the lymph nodes of rats. Four groups of rats (N = 21) were used. Five rats were allowed to move freely after i.v. contrast administration (group 1). In another five rats, muscular inactivity (group 2) was induced during i.v. injection of SPIO particles and for up to 2 hr thereafter by anesthesia. In seven rats (likewise anesthetized), the contrast agent was administered while the extremities of one side of the body were warmed in a water bath for 2 hr (group 3). The rats in groups 1-3 received 100 mumol Fe/kg of the contrast agent. Four rats not given SPIO particles served as the control group (group 4). The lymph nodes of all animals were removed 24 hr after SPIO administration and were embedded in an agar matrix for magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T using a proton-density-weighted spin-echo (PD-SE) sequence and a T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo (T2* GRE) sequence. Signal loss varied widely among the different lymph nodes in group 1. A pronounced signal reduction was observed in the mesenteric (PD-SE = 20 +/- 6%, T2* GRE = 55 +/- 19%), iliac (PD-SE = 13 +/- 13%, T2* GRE = 44 +/- 24%), and popliteal (PD-SE = 24 +/- 7%, T2* GRE = 70 +/- 11%) lymph nodes and only a moderate reduction in the mandibular (PD-SE = 4 +/- 7%, T2* GRE = 42 +/- 15%), axillary (PD-SE = 0 +/- 4%, T2* GRE = 8 +/- 7%), and inguinal (PD-SE = 5 +/- 5%, T2* GRE = 34 +/- 18%) lymph nodes. The least pronounced signal loss occurred in the peripheral lymph nodes of group 2, ranging from 0 +/- 3% for PD-SE sequences and 10 +/- 11% for T2* GRE sequences to 13 +/- 15% for PD-SE sequences and 41 +/- 19% for T2* GRE sequences. In group 3, the uptake of contrast material in the peripheral lymph nodes of the hyperthermal side was significantly more pronounced than on the contralateral side (p < .01), and the contrast agent was distributed more evenly to the different lymph node groups than in group 1. Muscular activity and regional hyperthermia markedly influence the accumulation of SPIO particles in different lymph node groups in rats. These findings must be considered in preclinical studies and in the clinical administration of MR lymphography.

Intravenous MR lymphography with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles: experimental studies in rats and rabbits

The inter- and intralymphonodal distribution of IV-administered superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles as a lymphographic contrast agent for MRI was studied in various animal models in rats and rabbits. In all animals a dosage of 200 μmol Fe/kg was tested. Imaging was done at 1.5 Tesla using proton-density-weighted spin-echo (PD-SE) and T2*-weighted gradient-echo (T2*-GRE) sequences. The time course of signal loss in popliteal lymph nodes of 21 rats was studied before and up to 72 h after IV injection of SPIO. Another 6 rats were dissected 24 h after IV injection of SPIO, all lymph nodes were embedded in agar gel and imaged ex vivo. Time course and pattern of lymph node signal loss was studied in 6 rabbits with reactive lymph node hyperplasia. The visualization of lymph node metastases was studied in 4 VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits. Most pronounced signal loss in lymph nodes was found 24 h after IV injection of SPIO with a decrease of signal in popliteal lymph nodes to 37 ± 15% (9 ± 5%) for rats and 56 ± 10% (16 ± 9%) for rabbits with the PD-SE (T2*-GRE) sequence. Ex vivo examinations of rat lymph nodes and in vivo examinations in rabbits with lymph node hyperplasia demonstrated marked variations in contrast agent accumulation between different lymph node groups. In VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits lymph node metastases could be well delineated in postcontrast MRI if a sufficient amount of contrast agent reached the lymph nodes (2 rabbits). Inhomogeneous signal loss as well as supersaturation impeded correct lymph node assessment (2 rabbits). We conclude that IV MR lymphography using SPIO may be an approach for non invasive tumor staging, but this new technique could be limited by variations in contrast agent distribution between different lymph node groups.

Chondroitin Sulfate Iron Colloid-Enhanced MR Imaging in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Chondroitin sulfate iron colloid (CSIC) was used as an MR contrast agent for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The findings of 25 surgically confirmed HCCs in 19 patients were retrospectively analyzed. T1-, T2- and proton density-weighted spin echo MR images were obtained before and after i.v. injection of 23.6 μM Fe/kg of CSIC. Unenhanced and CSIC-enhanced MR images and images obtained by CT during arterial portography (CT-AP) were correlated with surgical pathology findings. The sensitivities of CSIC-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging, and CT-AP were 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. No significant differences were noted. Portal flow abnormalities demonstrated by CT-AP did not affect the detection of HCC by CSIC-enhanced MR imaging. CSIC-enhancement at MR imaging was a disadvantage in the detection of lesions less than 1 cm in diameter. CSIC-enhanced MR imaging is a supplemental method for the detection of HCC.

Chondroitin Sulfate Iron Colloid-Enhanced MR Imaging in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Chondroitin sulfate iron colloid (CSIC) was used as an MR contrast agent for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The findings of 25 surgically confirmed HCCs in 19 patients were retrospectively analyzed. T1-, T2- and proton density-weighted spin echo MR images were obtained before and after i.v. injection of 23.6 μM Fe/kg of CSIC. Unenhanced and CSIC-enhanced MR images and images obtained by CT during arterial portography (CT-AP) were correlated with surgical pathology findings. The sensitivities of CSIC-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging, and CT-AP were 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. No significant differences were noted. Portal flow abnormalities demonstrated by CT-AP did not affect the detection of HCC by CSIC-enhanced MR imaging. CSIC-enhancement at MR imaging was a disadvantage in the detection of lesions less than 1 cm in diameter. CSIC-enhanced MR imaging is a supplemental method for the detection of HCC.

Chondroitin Sulfate Iron Colloid-Enhanced MR Imaging in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Chondroitin sulfate iron colloid (CSIC) was used as an MR contrast agent for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The findings of 25 surgically confirmed HCCs in 19 patients were retrospectively analyzed. T1-, T2- and proton density-weighted spin echo MR images were obtained before and after i.v. injection of 23.6 microM Fe/kg of CSIC. Unenhanced and CSIC-enhanced MR images and images obtained by CT during arterial portography (CT-AP) were correlated with surgical pathology findings. The sensitivities of CSIC-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging, and CT-AP were 92%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. No significant differences were noted. Portal flow abnormalities demonstrated by CT-AP did not affect the detection of HCC by CSIC-enhanced MR imaging. CSIC-enhancement at MR imaging was a disadvantage in the detection of lesions less than 1 cm in diameter. CSIC-enhanced MR imaging is a supplemental method for the detection of HCC.

Tomographic abdominal anatomy with magnetic resonance color composites

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent modality for tomographically visualizing abdominal structures, particularly the liver, In an effort to simulate the natural color scheme of the living abdomen using MRI, we have generated color composites from sets of gray tone MR images obtained at corresponding anatomic slice positions from two healthy individuals. Pulse sequences used for our image sets included T1-, T2-, and proton density-weighted spin echo sequences as well as an angiographic FISP gradient echo sequence. A PC/AT-compatible computer with 24-bit graphics display capbilites, along with commerical and customized image-processing software, was used for composite generation. The applied colors were selected based on quantitative characteristics tissue intensity patterns so that tissue contrast could be optimized in the final image. The generated composites were correlated with cadaver sections to evaluate the color scheme of these false-colored images. With our composite generation techniques, it was possible to generated near-natural appearing color images of the abdomen. Color composites may be useful for teaching human cross-sectional anatomy and may also have diagnostic applications in abdominal MRI studies. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

MR lymphography with iron oxide particles: dose-response studies and pulse sequence optimization in rabbits.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles are a promising contrast agent for MR lymphography. The effect of SPIO on MR imaging of normal lymph nodes and the impact of the size of the dose have not yet been investigated in detail. Therefore, we performed dose-response and pulse sequence optimization studies. MR images of the iliac lymph nodes of 15 normal rabbits were obtained at 1.5 T with 12 different spin-echo (SE) and gradient-echo (GRE) sequences before and after SPIO administration. The contrast agent was injected into a femoral lymph vessel at five different doses (0.02-2.0 mumol Fe/animal). The dose that reduced signal intensity by half (ED50) was determined for each sequence, and images were evaluated qualitatively. Doses of 0.2 and 1.0 mumol Fe caused a complete signal loss throughout the lymph node. In this dose range, proton density-weighted SE sequences showed a profound signal loss (ED50, 0.132 mumol Fe), and lymph nodes were sharply demarcated. The GRE sequences (ED50, 0.027-0.070 mumol Fe) and the T2-weighted SE sequence (ED50, 0.014 mumol Fe) showed an even more pronounced signal loss but insufficient anatomic resolution. Underdosing (less than or equal to 0.1 mumol Fe) caused only a focal signal loss in the lymph nodes. Oversaturation (2.0 mumol Fe for SE sequences, greater than or equal to 1.0 mumol Fe for GRE sequences) led to image distortion and did not allow assessment of lymph node morphology. Our results show that optimal contrast enhancement of normal lymph nodes with SPIO can be achieved in the dose range of 0.2-1.0 mumol Fe on proton density-weighted SE sequences. Our results may serve as a basis for further development of noninvasive MR lymphography.

Increased MR signal intensity secondary to chronic cervical cord compression.

Magnetic resonance images of 128 patients with compressive lesions of the cervical spinal canal were reviewed to determine whether a high signal intensity lesion within the spinal cord was present on T2 and proton density weighted spin echo images. Such high signal intensity was observed in 24 cases or 18.8%. The incidence was higher in herniated disk (32.4%), atlanto-axial dislocation (28.6%), and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (22.7%), whereas the abnormality was found sporadically in cervical spondylosis and vertebral body tumors. The high intensity lesion on T2 weighted images was generally observed in patients with constriction or narrowing of the spinal cord. The lesion was not demonstrated on T1 weighted spin echo images. Spinal cord constriction or localized narrowing seemed to be the most important predisposing factor in producing such a high signal intensity. The pathophysiologic basis of such an abnormality was presumed to be myelomalacia or cord gliosis secondary to a long-standing compressive effect of the spinal cord.