Rolling Table Research Articles

Optimization of contrast dosage for gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced high-resolution whole-body 3D magnetic resonance angiography.

To determine the optimal dose of gadobenate dimeglumine for diagnostic high-resolution whole-body 3D-MR angiography. Ten healthy volunteers were examined three times with an ascending dose of Gd-BOPTA (0.1/0.2/0.3 mmol/kg BW). Three-dimensional data sets were collected with a rolling table platform (AngioSURF; MR-Innovation GmbH, Essen, Germany) which integrates the torso surface coil, using a 3D FLASH sequence at five stations from carotid arteries to the trifurcation vessels in 72 seconds. SNR- and contrast-to-noise-values were calculated for 30 segments per patient. For qualitative evaluation a 4-point-visualization scale was used. Overall, significantly (P < 0.05) higher signal-to-noise values and CNR values were determined for Gd-BOPTA at a dose of 0.2 and 0.3 mmol/kg compared with 0.1 mmol/kg. Similarly, the qualitative analysis demonstrated image quality to be superior with 0.2 and 0.3 mmol/kg compared with 0.1 mmol/kg (P < 0.05). Qualitative and quantitative assessment failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference between 0.2 and 0.3 mmol/kg BW (P > 0.05). A dose of 0.2 mmol/kg BW Gd-BOPTA rendered diagnostic image quality in all vascular segments of all volunteers.

Whole-body MRI using a rolling table platform for the detection of bone metastases.

The aim of this study was to compare the results of whole-body MRI using a recently developed rolling table platform with findings of nuclear scintigraphy in patients with bone metastases. Twenty-six patients with known or suspected bone metastases who had undergone radionuclide scintigraphy were examined by MRI. Patients were placed on a rolling table platform with integrated phased-array surface coils [BodySURF (system for unlimited field of view)] capable of pulling the patient through the isocenter of the magnet. Using a five-station approach three different image sets (T1-weighted gradient recalled echo, half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin echo, and short tau inversion recovery) were collected in the coronal plane. In addition, the spine was imaged in the sagittal plane. The MRI findings were compared with the results obtained by scintigraphy. The whole-body MR examination lasting merely 40 min was feasible in all 26 patients. The MRI revealed excellent correlation with scintigraphy regarding metastatic lesions. A total of 60 regions with metastatic lesions were identified on bone scintigraphy. Fifty-three regions were detected on identical locations by MRI. The regions missed by MRI were located mainly in ribs and skull. The MRI could identify additional bone metastases in spine, pelvis, and femur. The MRI screening for bone metastases correlated well with bone scintigraphy. Use of the rolling table platform permits rapid imaging based on three different contrast mechanisms of the entire skeletal system.

A Rolling Table Holder for Use in the Determination of Certain Characters in the Cotton Breeding Program

A Rolling Table Holder for Use in the Determination of Certain Characters in the Cotton Breeding Program