Biomedical subjects

B K Rutt

Publications and source records attributed to B K Rutt.

67 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Accuracy of MR phase contrast velocity measurements for unsteady flow.

The accuracy of MR phase contrast (PC) velocity measurements for unsteady flow has been quantitatively assessed. Spatially resolved velocity fields were measured in a long straight tube using a gated PC technique, and the resulting MR PC velocity data were compared with velocities derived from the analytic Womersley solution to the Navier-Stokes equations governing fluid flow. The overall root-mean-square (rms) difference between the measured and analytic velocities was 1.6 cm s-1 for nominally sinusoidal flow waveforms with peak velocities ranging from 51.6 cm s-1 to 59.8 cm s-1. This rms difference corresponded to 7.5% of the mean fluid velocity, which is similar to the cited accuracy of approximately 5% for MR PC velocimetry for steady flows. Linear regression between the PC velocity measurements and the velocities obtained using the analytic expression was highly significant (r2 = 0.997) and yielded a slope of 0.998, close to the expected value of 1. We conclude that the gated MR PC velocity measurements in unsteady flow are accurate.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of field strength on image quality in MRI.

As clinical MRI has evolved, there have been numerous arguments for the use of different field strengths. Those favoring high magnetic field (1.5 T and above) include higher signal-to-noise ratio, capability for MR spectroscopy, and other forms of functional MRI, high speed imaging, and high resolution imaging. However, cost remains a significant limitation to the wider dissemination of high field MRI. There are definite cost advantages (capital, operating, siting) to the use of lower field MRI. Much debate has occurred over the past decade regarding the relative diagnostic benefits of high field MRI versus lower field MRI, but few randomized, controlled clinical trials have compared diagnostic accuracy of MRI at various field strengths. In this article, we review the physical principles of the field strength dependence of MRI in relation to image quality. The assessment of the importance of field strength in MR is incomplete without some analysis of diagnostic accuracy versus field strength. Such analysis is difficult to accomplish in an unbiased manner. The use of receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) analysis is probably the best available method to measure diagnostic accuracy of various imaging methods without bias. An ROC study of diagnostic accuracy of 0.5 T versus 1.5 T MRI, examining several common clinical categories, has recently been conducted at our institution. Results from this study demonstrate diagnostic equivalence between these two field strengths in at least two common clinical disease categories (MS and internal derangement of the knee). These results are discussed and related to results from previous field strength studies.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Combined analysis of spatial and velocity displacement artifacts in phase contrast measurements of complex flows.

MR phase contrast (PC) velocity imaging is a promising tool for quantifying blood flow velocity in vivo. PC velocity imaging is, however, susceptible to artifacts that result from the displacement of spins during the finite duration pulse sequences. Such displacement artifacts can lead to errors in velocity measurements, especially in the presence of oblique and accelerating flows, which are common throughout the cardiovascular system. By tracking particles (representing spins) through a computed velocity field, and assuming that spatial and velocity encodings occur at discrete times during the pulse sequence, we simulate the separate and combined effects of oblique and acceleration artifacts on PC velocity images. We demonstrate, both by simulation and MR measurement, the errors associated with such artifacts in PC velocity measurements in a representative flow geometry. Using example particle trajectories, we provide a fluid dynamic basis for characteristic phase-velocity image distortions that can arise when imaging complex, physiologically relevant flows.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Multistep phase difference phase contrast imaging.

A new technique for multistep phase-contrast image processing is presented. The N-step method consists of simply forming the linear average of the N-1 adjacent phase-difference signals. It has similar noise reduction properties as other multistep techniques, but the simplicity of the noise variance of the N-step technique allows intuitive insight into phase-difference phase-contrast processing and noise reduction, which can aid in the design of efficient and improved phase-contrast imaging sequences. As well, the computational simplicity of the N-step phase-difference technique compared with any other known multistep technique is advantageous. Like other multistep techniques, it has far more efficient noise reduction properties than simple two-step, multiple average phase-contrast imaging, even when normalized for total scan time. A three-step phase-difference velocity image has 50% less variance than an image acquired with two steps and two scans averaged but is obtained in 25% less scan time. Given its advantages, it should now be the chosen technique for increasing velocity-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios in all phase-difference phase-contrast clinical applications.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An expandable intravenous RF coil for arterial wall imaging.

An intravenous (iv) radiofrequency (RF) coil is proposed as a means of obtaining high resolution images of artery wall. The anatomic positioning of peripheral artery/vein pairs was investigated and a phantom mimicking the iliac artery/vein pair was constructed. Imaging results, comparing iv coils with external coils, demonstrated a potential 15- to 20-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with iv coils. The SNR benefit was measured over a cylindrical volume, adjacent to the coil, and typical of artery position. Prototype expandable iv coils were constructed of Cu-Be loops and introduced via an 8-Fr catheter. The effects of local and remote iv coil tuning were investigated and local tuning was found to provide significant SNR benefits. The in vivo performance of iv RF coils was demonstrated in a porcine animal model. The iv coils were found to be an excellent alternative to intraarterial coils.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Sliding interleaved kY (SLINKY) acquisition: a novel 3D MRA technique with suppressed slab boundary artifact.

This work addresses the elimination of the slab boundary artifact (SBA) or venetian blind artifact in three-dimensional multiple overlapped thin slab acquisition (3D MOTSA) for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Our method uses a sliding-slab, interleaved kY (SLINKY) data acquisition strategy, equalizing flow-related signal intensity weighting across the entire slab dimension. This technique demodulates signal intensity changes along the slab direction and can essentially eliminate the SBA while retaining the same or better imaging time efficiency than that of conventional MOTSA, providing robustness to complicated flow patterns and thereby resulting in more accurate depiction of vascular morphology. In addition, this technique does not need specialized reconstruction and extra computation. The unique penalty of this technique is the sensitivity to phase inconsistency in the data. Both phantom and in vivo experiments verify the clinical significance of the technique. The new MRA images acquired with this imaging technique show highly reliable mapping of vascular morphology without the SBA and reduction of signal voids in complex/slow flow regions.

Artifacts↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Systematic assessment and evaluation of sliding interleaved kY (SLINKY) acquisition for 3D MRA.

In comparison with the conventional three-dimensional multiple overlapped thin slab acquisition (MOTSA) for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), we have developed a novel sliding interleaved kY (SLINKY) acquisition technique, which can eliminate the slab boundary artifact (SBA) or venetian blind artifact without any a priori knowledge of blood flow. This work addresses the systematic assessment and evaluation of the SLINKY technique and verifies the advantages of SLINKY in the following several aspects: (a) scan time efficiency; (b) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR); (c) sensitivity to flow velocity range; (d) sensitivity to flow direction; (e) signal loss in slow/reversal flow regions; and (f) reconstruction efficiency and feasibility. Both phantom and in vivo experiments verify the clinical significance of the technique. The new MRA images acquired with this imaging technique in 31 volunteer/patient examinations show highly reliable mapping of vascular morphology without the SBA and reduction of signal voids in complex/slow flow regions.

Artifacts↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Vertebral mineral determination by quantitative computed tomography (QCT): accuracy of single and dual energy measurements.

Quantitative CT (QCT) studies of trabecular vertebral bone tissue have been carried out in vitro on a GE CT/T 9800 scanner. Results of both single energy (SE) 80 kVp and dual energy (DE) 80/140 kVp QCT data are compared with chemical mineral analysis to determine accuracy. We examined 62 vertebral specimens, from 28 cadavers (19 male and 9 female with an age range of 19-93 years, mean = 60.4). Averaging the results of all vertebral bodies of the same individual for SEQCT versus ashweight, we found a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.94 (p less than 0.0001), a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of 12.2 mg/cm3 (calibrated to K2HPO4), with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 13.2% and an average underestimation of bone mineral content of 18.7 mg/cm3. The corresponding DEQCT results were r = 0.98 (p less than 0.0001), SEE = 7.4 mg/cm3, CV = 7.0%, and an average underestimation of 4.9 mg/cm3. The SE and DE results are correlated with r = 0.98 (p less than 0.0001), SEE = 8.0 mg/cm3, and CV = 8.7%. From our SEQCT data and the results of the chemical analysis of bone mineral and fat content we calculated a fat sensitivity of 7.7 mg/cm3 K2HPO4 per 100 mg/cm3 fat change for our scanner. Using an average fat variability of 87.5 mg/cm3, this leads to a fat-related uncertainty for the normative SEQCT data of 6.7 mg/cm3, which is far lower than the normal biological variation of 29.4 mg/cm3. Using tabulated normative data on fat content versus age and versus mineral content of 188 vertebral specimens from five collaborating centers, we derived a correction algorithm for QCT measurement that reduces our average underestimation to 0.88 mg/cm3 with an SEE of 12.1 mg/cm3. Hence, this correction procedure can be used to estimate the fat corrected absolute mineral density for research purposes or for scanners with high fat sensitivity. For the GE CT/T 9800 scanner, with a relatively low fat to mineral sensitivity at 80 kVp, the correction procedure is generally not recommended for clinical studies since it minimizes the average fat induced error but does not reduce the residual, partially fat related uncertainty. Finally, since the fat related uncertainty is small compared to biological variation, the correlation is high between SEQCT and DEQCT, and the radiation dose is lower and the precision higher for SEQCT, we suggest that most clinical diagnostic studies using the GE CT/T 9800 scanner for bone mineral determination employ SEQCT at 80 kVp.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computational blood flow modeling based on in vivo measurements.

Study of the relationship between hemodynamics and atherogenesis requires accurate three-dimensional descriptions of in vivo arterial geometries. Common methods for obtaining such geometries include in vivo medical imaging and postmortem preparations (vessel casts, pressure-fixed vessels). We sought to determine the relative accuracy of these methods. The aorto-iliac (A/I) region of six rabbits was imaged in vivo using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After sacrifice, the geometry of the A/I region was preserved via vascular casts in four animals, and ex situ pressure fixation (while preserving dimensions) in the remaining two animals. The MR images and postmortem preparations were used to build computer representations of the A/I bifurcations, which were then used as input for computational blood flow analyses. Substantial differences were seen between MRI-based models and postmortem preparations. Bifurcation angles were consistently larger in postmortem specimens, and vessel dimensions were consistently smaller in pressure-fixed specimens. In vivo MRI-based models underpredicted aortic dimensions immediately proximal to the bifurcation, causing appreciable variation in the aorto-iliac parent/child area ratio. This had an important effect on wall shear stress and separation patterns on the "hips" of the bifurcation, with mean wall shear stress differences ranging from 15% to 35%, depending on the model. The above results, as well as consideration of known and probable sources of error, suggests that in vivo MRI best replicates overall vessel geometry (vessel paths and bifurcation angle). However, vascular casting seems to better capture detailed vessel cross-sectional dimensions and shape. It is important to accurately characterize the local aorto-iliac area ratio when studying in vivo bifurcation hemodynamics.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A xenon ionization detector for scanned projection radiography: theoretical considerations.

Xenon ionization detectors have been used successfully in computed tomography (CT) scanners; however, the detector design used in CT scanners does not provide sufficient spatial resolution for scanned projection radiography. We have been investigating a new design of xenon detector with individual element widths of 0.5 mm. In this design, there are no metal septa separating individual elements. As a result, detection efficiency is better than the design with septa, and construction of an array with submillimeter element widths is simpler; however, crosstalk will now occur between elements. Theoretical calculations of efficiency and resolution for our septaless design of xenon detector are presented. Results of these calculations indicate that for a spectrum of 100 kVp, element dimensions of 0.5 mm X 0.5 mm X 10 cm, a front window of 0.5-mm aluminum, and a xenon pressure of 20 atm, quantum efficiency will be greater than 95%, detective quantum efficiency (DQE) will be approximately 75%, and both energy and conversion efficiencies will be limited to 50% by K-fluorescent escape. The calculations also predict that for the same design, the reduction in lesion contrast induced by crosstalk will be less than 10% for all typical spectra. These theoretical results have encouraged us to pursue the construction of a prototype septaless xenon detector for scanned projection radiography.

Models, Theoretical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Selective iodine imaging using lanthanum K fluorescence.

Time-dependent subtraction techniques have tremendously improved the visualization of iodinated vessels. These techniques suffer from motion artifacts, however, since the mask image is acquired several seconds prior to the contrast image. A K-edge subtraction technique for selectively imaging iodine using the characteristic x rays from a lanthanum secondary target is presented. The K alpha lines of lanthanum closely straddle the K edge of iodine. A prepatient iodine filter will alter the ratio of K alpha 1 to K alpha 2 intensities; by subtracting two images made with different K alpha 1/K alpha 2 ratios, iodinated structures can be isolated. Since the method requires no mask image, motion artifacts are reduced. Preliminary images acquired with an image intensifier/photodiode array detector system are shown. Theoretical performance of this method is compared to other iodine-selective imaging techniques on the basis of exposure and dose. The feasibility of using lanthanum K fluorescence for rapid clinical iodine-selective imaging is discussed.

Angiography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A prototype high-purity germanium detector system with fast photon-counting circuitry for medical imaging.

A data-acquisition system designed for x-ray medical imaging utilizes a segmented high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector array with 2-mm wide and 6-mm thick elements. The detectors are contained within a liquid-nitrogen cryostat designed to minimize heat losses. The 50-ns pulse-shaping time of the preamplifier electronics is selected as the shortest time constant compatible with the 50-ns charge collection time of the detector. This provides the detection system with the fastest count-rate capabilities and immunity from microphonics, with moderate energy resolution performance. A theoretical analysis of the preamplifier electronics shows that its noise performance is limited primarily by its input capacitance, and is independent of detector leakage current up to approximately 100 nA. The system experimentally demonstrates count rates exceeding 1 million counts per second per element with an energy resolution of 7 keV for the 60-keV gamma ray photon from 241Am. The results demonstrate the performance of a data acquisition system utilizing HPGe detector systems which would be suitable for dual-energy imaging as well as systems offering simultaneous x-ray transmission and radionuclide emission imaging.

Americium↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A geometrically accurate vascular phantom for comparative studies of x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance vascular imaging: construction and geometrical verification.

A technique for producing accurate models of vascular segments for use in experiments that assess vessel geometry and flow has been developed and evaluated. The models are compatible with x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems. In this paper, a model of the human carotid artery bifurcation, is evaluated that has been built using this technique. The phantom consists of a thin-walled polyester-resin replica of the bifurcation through which a blood-mimicking fluid may be circulated. The phantom is surrounded by an agar tissue-mimicking material and a series of fiducial markers. The blood- and tissue-mimicking materials have x-ray, ultrasound, and MR properties similar to blood and tissue; fiducial markers provide a means of aligning images acquired by different modalities. The root-mean-square difference between the inner wall geometry of the constructed model and the desired dimensions was 0.33 mm. Static images were successfully acquired using x-ray, ultrasound, and MR imaging systems, and are free of significant artifacts. Flow images acquired with ultrasound and MR agree qualitatively with each other, and with previously published flow patterns. Volume-flow measurements obtained with ultrasound and MR were within 4.4% of the actual values.

Carotid Arteries↗