A magnetic resonance (MR) image processing technique that uses a single color image for simultaneous presentation of spin-echo information and its application to MR studies of the brain is described. Relaxation rate and proton-density maps were calculated from 160 brain MR studies performed at 1.5 and 1.0 T with standard spin-echo sequences. Maps were fused into single color images, with R1, R2, and proton density coded, respectively, by red, green, and blue. The possibility of standardizing the technique was evaluated. Comparative analysis of color and conventional MR images of white matter disease and brain tumors was performed to assess intra- and interobserver variability. Unequivocal and reproducible chromatic characterization of normal brain structures and a variety of lesions was obtained. Intra- and interobserver analysis showed that color images can be used as a diagnostic tool. The technique may provide a simplified and timesaving approach for interpretation and presentation of brain MR studies.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Premature aging in Werner's syndrome spares the central nervous system.

Werner's Syndrome is a rare genetic disease, characterized by premature aging of many tissues and organs. We studied the brain morphology and function in two patients with Werner's syndrome to assess the possible involvement of the central nervous system in this premature aging process. The two patients (brother and sister, respectively) were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with (99mTc)-d,l-hexamethyl propilene amine oxime (HMPAO), positron emission tomography (PET) with 2(18F)-Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). Some of these investigations were also repeated after 1 year. The results of all these studies were normal. The premature aging process in patients with Werner's syndrome, while affecting most tissues, seems to spare the central nervous system.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Simultaneous display of multiple MR parameters with "quantitative magnetic color imaging".

A new technique for simultaneous display of multiple MR parameters with a single color-coded image is described. The method is based on the multiparametric nature of MR signals and benefits from the physiologic ability to discriminate color levels better than gray levels. The T1 and T2 relaxation rate maps are first obtained from multi-echo SE and partial saturation sequences. Each parameter is subsequently represented with one or with a combination of two fundamental colors (red, green, blue) into a composite quantitative magnetic color image. Each mixture of chromatic components in the magnetic color image represents a unique combination of the two relaxation parameters, easily interpretable by the human eye, without loss of anatomic information. The potential advantages of the technique are discussed and some practical applications are presented.

Brain↗