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F R Korosec

Publications and source records attributed to F R Korosec.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Development of a unique phantom to assess the geometric accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for stereotactic localization.

OBJECTIVE: To test the spatial accuracy of coordinates generated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, using the Brown-Roberts-Wells head frame and localizer system (Radionics, Inc., Burlington, MA). METHODS: An anthropomorphic head phantom, consisting of a two-dimensional lattice of acrylic spheres (4-mm diameter) spaced 10 mm apart and embedded in a brain tissue-mimicking gelatin-agar gel, was constructed. The intersphere distances for the target lattice positions in MRI and computed tomographic scan sets were compared. The data sets were fused, and differences in fiducial marker and intraphantom target positions were measured. RESULTS: Intersphere distances were identical for the MRI and computed tomographic scan sets (10 +/- 0.1 mm). Differences in fiducial marker positions [maximal lateral difference, 0.97 mm; mean absolute lateral difference, 0.69 +/- 0.22 mm; maximal anteroposterior (AP) difference, 1.99 mm; mean absolute AP difference, 1.29 +/- 0.67 mm] were correlated with differences in intraphantom target positions (maximal lateral difference, 0.83 mm; mean absolute lateral difference, 0.28 +/- 0.24 mm; maximal AP difference, -1.97 mm; mean absolute AP difference, 1.63 +/- 25 mm; maximal vertical difference, -0.73 mm; mean absolute vertical difference, 0.34 +/- 0.21 mm). This suggested that improper fiducial rod identification and the subsequent transformation to stereotactic coordinate space were the greatest sources of spatial uncertainty. CONCLUSION: With computed tomographic data as the standard, these differences resulted in maximal and minimal composite uncertainties of 2.06 and 1.17 mm, respectively. The measured uncertainties exceed recommended standards for radiosurgery but allow the possible use of MRI-based stereotactic treatment planning for certain intracranial lesions, if the errors are corrected using appropriate software. Clinicians must recognize that error magnitudes vary for different systems, and they should perform systematic, scheduled, institutional error analyses as part of their ongoing quality assurance processes. This phantom provides one tool for measuring such variances.

Brain Mapping↗
PubMed1998

A rapid 2D time-resolved variable-rate k-space sampling MR technique for passive catheter tracking during endovascular procedures.

A new, fast, 2D MR imaging technique allowing passive catheter visualization adequate for use as a tool for guiding the movement of a catheter during endovascular procedures is described. This imaging technique samples low spatial frequencies more often than high spatial frequencies; it also uses both k-space view sharing and temporal interpolation. Unlike other techniques for passive visualization that exploit magnetic-susceptibility-induced artifacts, we have adopted a strategy that takes advantage of the T1-shortening effect of paramagnetic contrast agents, such as Gd-DTPA and a projection dephaser. This not only permits visualization of the entire catheter length but also minimizes the risk of intravascular heating. Using this method, a temporal frame rate of up to eight images per second and a tip localization accuracy of +/- 1mm (root mean square difference) can be achieved.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed1998

3D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR DSA: advantages and tradeoffs.

The 3D TRICKS method for contrast-enhanced, time-resolved MR DSA has been recently described. In this paper, computer simulations are used to investigate the relative frame rate, temporal window, artery-vein temporal separation, contrast-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution of TRICKS and conventional scans for breath-hold and non-breath-hold applications. For non-breath-hold applications, TRICKS can be configured to provide increased CNR or spatial resolution at an increased frame rate, but with a longer temporal window when compared with a series of conventional scans in which the central portion of k-space is sampled at the same rate as for the TRICKS scans. For breath-hold applications, TRICKS typically provides three images with 75% of the conventional single acquisition spatial resolution and is more tolerant of variations in contrast curve shape within the field of view.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1998

Steady-state and dynamic MR angiography with MS-325: initial experience in humans.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging performance and patient tolerance of a blood-pool contrast agent (MS-325) for magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging of peripheral and carotid vessels was performed in seven healthy volunteers in a phase I clinical trial of the gadolinium chelate MS-325. Each volunteer received an intravenous injection of 0.05 mmol/kg MS-325 over 30 seconds. Dynamic (arterial phase) and steady-state (arterial-venous phase) three-dimensional gradient-echo MR angiograms were acquired during, immediately after, and approximately 50 minutes after injection. Images were ranked (1 [poor] to 5 [excellent]) for overall image quality, and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) were measured by using standard techniques. RESULTS: All volunteers tolerated the procedure well. The MS-325-enhanced studies demonstrated intense vascular signal. Mean peripheral arterial C/N was 12.9 +/- 4.8 (standard deviation), 78.8 +/- 29.4, 46.1 +/- 10.9, and 41.9 +/- 14.1 for the two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight (TOF) and the contrast material-enhanced dynamic, early steady-state, and late steady-state images, respectively. Image quality of steady-state postcontrast images was statistically significantly (P < .02) higher than that of 2D TOF images. Image quality of early and late postcontrast images was similar, but a small (10%) decrease in C/N was noted from early to late images. CONCLUSION: MS-325 provides excellent vascular and selective arterial enhancement during dynamic MR angiography. The long blood residence time also allows acquisition of steady-state images of the arteries and veins with excellent spatial resolution.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1998

Contrast-enhanced 3D MR DSA of the carotid artery bifurcation: preliminary study of comparison with unenhanced 2D and 3D time-of-flight MR angiography.

PURPOSE: To compare the delineation of stenosis at the carotid artery bifurcation on three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images with that on two-dimensional (2D) and 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiographic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with 29 carotid artery bifurcations and symptoms of cerebral ischemia underwent 3D MR DSA. A time-resolved series was generated with 3D MR DSA after the bolus injection of gadodiamide. The resolution for a carotid artery examination was 0.4 x 0.4 x 1.0 mm, with volumes reconstructed at 4.5-second intervals. The 3D MR DSA images were compared with contemporaneously acquired unenhanced 2D and 3D TOF images. Two observers ranked the 2D and 3D TOF MR angiographic and 3D MR DSA images according to the following: (a) stenosis delineation, (b) internal carotid artery delineation, (c) intravascular signal intensity, and (d) diagnostic confidence. RESULTS: The mean ranking for diagnostic confidence was 1.10 (1 = best technique, 3 = worst technique) for 3D MR DSA. Compared with the pooled 2D TOF and 3D TOF ranks, the 3D MR DSA rank was significantly better (P < .01). Similar levels of statistical significance were found for the other criteria. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional MR DSA improves the delineation of carotid arterial stenosis by virtually eliminating saturation effects and reducing intravoxel dephasing. Surface morphology and nearly occluded vessels ("string sign") were easily identified. Confidence in identifying carotid arterial occlusions was also very high with this technique.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed1998

MR angiography: basic principles and theory.

The most commonly used MR angiography techniques are categorized as time-of-flight, phase-contrast, or contrast-enhanced methods. When the basic principles of the various MR angiographic methods are understood, the techniques can be used to achieve high-quality angiograms. This article describes the physical principles and theory of some of the most widely used MR angiographic methods.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1996

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography.

An MR angiographic technique, referred to as 3D TRICKS (3D time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics) has been developed. This technique combines and extends to 3D imaging several previously published elements. These elements include an increased sampling rate for lower spatial frequencies, temporal interpolation of k-space views, and zero-filling in the slice-encoding dimension. When appropriately combined, these elements permit reconstruction of a series of 3D image sets having an effective temporal frame rate of one volume every 2-6 s. Acquiring a temporal series of images offers advantages over the current contrast-enhanced 3D MRA techniques in that it I) increases the likelihood that an arterial-only 3D image set will be obtained. II) permits the passage of the contrast agent to be observed, and III) allows temporal-processing techniques to be applied to yield additional information, or improve image quality.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1996

Technical exhibits.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Exhibitions as Topic↗
PubMed1996

MR angiography with three-dimensional MR digital subtraction angiography.

We have developed a time-resolved, contrast-enhanced, volume-imaging technique for magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, known as three-dimensional (3D) MR digital subtraction angiography (DSA). This technique greatly improves MR angiogram quality because it combines the injection of a contrast agent with the ability to image the temporal passage of this agent and, thereby, obviates the need for timing scans or other complicated synchronization schemes. Three-dimensional MR DSA also represents a potential improvement in the sense that, relative to DSA and computed tomography (CT) angiography, the contrast agent is less toxic. Additionally, unlike CT angiography, images may be acquired during the passage of the contrast agent. Therefore, 3D MR DSA shows the sequential passage of contrast through the arterial and venous system, followed by uptake in various organs. Unlike conventional DSA, 3D MR DSA imaging acquires full volume datasets, which allows subsequent reprojection and reformatting. Because images are obtained at approximately 2-6 s time intervals using a temporal aperture on the order of several seconds, motion (such as respiration) causes only a temporary disruption of image quality, similar to that observed in MR fluoroscopy. These temporal characteristics also make the proposed sequence insensitive to variations in the shape and timing of the contrast-pass curve. Although the individual time-resolved images will have somewhat decreased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) relative to nontime-resolved scans collected in the same acquisition time, the SNR improvement due to the gadolinium appears to accommodate this trade-off. Additionally, if motion between successive images is small, then the full suite of temporal processing schemes, previously investigated in connection with DSA and time-resolved two-dimensional (2D) MR, such as mask mode subtraction, simple matched filtering and Eigen filtering, can be used to obtain composite images. These derived images generally have an increased SNR or negligible venous signal if an arterial-phase image is not obtained in the early time-resolved images. In summary, 3D MR DSA will significantly advance MR angiography because of the following intrinsic advantages: (1) improved signal-to-noise, (2) scan orientation may be chosen independently of the direction of blood flow, (3) uniform vascular signal, even from regions of complex flow, (4) minimization of motion artifacts, (5) greatly reduced sensitivity to variation in the shape and timing of the contrast bolus, (6) ability to be reformatted or reprojected, and (7) ability to apply a variety of temporal postprocessing techniques.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed1995

Coronary MRI with a respiratory feedback monitor: the 2D imaging case.

The inability to return the heart to the same position for all breath-holds during 2D coronary MR imaging can result in imaging different locations than desired. This can lead to problems such as (i) missing a whole vessel, or a part of it, (ii) misaligning segments of vessels imaged in different breath-holds, and (iii) degrading image quality when a single slice is acquired in multiple breath-holds. To reduce inconsistencies in the breath-hold level, we designed a respiratory feedback monitor (RFM) that uses a bellows to monitor the circumference of the subject's chest. When the circumference of the subject's chest is within preset limits, an audio signal alerts subjects to hold their breath at that position. Use of the RFM significantly reduces the problems caused by inconsistent breath-holds and the number of breath-holds for an examination in 2D coronary MR imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Respiratory blur in 3D coronary MR imaging.

3D MR imaging of coronary arteries has the potential to provide both high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio, but it is very susceptible to respiratory artifacts, especially respiratory blurring. Resolution loss caused by respiratory blurring in 3D coronary imaging is analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally. Under normal respiration, the width for any Gaussian point spread function is increased to a new value that is at least several millimeters (about 3-4 mm). In vivo studies were performed to compare respiratory pseudo-gated 3D acquisition with breath-hold 2D acquisition. On average, the overall quality of a pseudo-gated 3D image is worse than that of the corresponding breath-hold 2D image (P = 0.005). In most cases, respiratory blur caused coronary arteries in pseudo-gated 3D data to have lower resolution than in breath-hold 2D data.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Quantitative velocity images from thick slab 2D phase contrast.

Thick slab two-dimensional phase contrast (2D PC) angiography provides a large amount of anatomical information in a short acquisition time. Quantitative velocity information is, however, destroyed by the necessary projection dephasing gradient. We present a 2D PC acquisition scheme which retains quantitative velocity information in a thick slab acquisition. A thick slab acquisition produces an image which is a projection through an entire vessel. Accurate velocity measurements must take into account the intravoxel phase cancellation caused by a distribution of velocities within the vessel. In addition to the description of the data acquisition scheme, we outline a method for determining the mean velocity within a vessel having a laminar flow distribution. It is shown that without the consideration for intravoxel phase cancellation, the mean velocity measurement from thick slab images overestimates the true mean velocity by 10%.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1993

Generalized matched filtering for time-resolved MR angiography of pulsatile flow.

Generating flow-specific images (arteriograms, venograms) with optimal signal-to-noise ratios for time-resolved MR angiography is a conditional maximum problem, and its solutions are generalized matched filters. We have investigated six matched filters, corresponding to all possible combinations of three flow suppression conditions and two signal-to-noise ratio maximization procedures. Four of these matched filters correspond to previously described methods: the subtractive matched filter, the standard deviation, the global venous eigenimage and the global arterial eigenimage. The two others are referred to here as the local venous eigenimage and the local arterial eigenimage. These six matched filters have been applied to 2D time-resolved phase contrast angiographic data. The local arterial eigenimage is found to be the most effective in suppressing undesired venous flow and preserving desired arterial flow.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1993

MR angiography using velocity-selective preparation pulses and segmented gradient-echo acquisition.

We describe a cardiac-gated MR angiographic imaging method that employs velocity-selective preparation (VSP) pulses in conjunction with segmented gradient-echo acquisition and subtraction to produce images that, ideally, contain no signal from stationary tissues and display vessels with a signal intensity that is dependent on the velocity of the blood in the vessels. The novel features of this method are a) it acquires several phase-encoding values/application of a single VSP pulse, b) it uses subtraction to eliminate signal that is not sufficiently suppressed by the VSP pulses, and c) it uses VSP pulses that are synchronized with the cardiac cycle so it can be used to produce ghost-free images of pulsatile blood. An advantage of this sequence is that it detects a signal that, after preparation, is relatively unaffected by changes in blood velocity. This leads to a large signal-to-noise ratio for all the phase-encoding values, a reduction of ghosting artifacts, and the ability to visualize blood that is in motion for only a short time during the cardiac cycle. Because the signal is prepared during peak flow, venous signal can be suppressed by making the sequence sensitive to high velocities. An additional advantage of this sequence is that it permits sampling with a short TE because the velocity-encoding gradient can be applied in a preparatory interval. Signal loss that results from dephasing during the longer TE preparation interval can be reduced or eliminated by allowing the dephased spins to flow out of the region of complex flow, and perhaps out of the field-of-view, by introducing a delay between the finish of the VSP pulse and the beginning of data acquisition.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1992

ECG-optimized phase contrast line-scanned MR angiography.

We describe a rapid phase contrast line scan MR angiographic imaging technique. A projection angiogram is obtained by sequentially imaging a series of thin slices oriented perpendicular to the primary flow direction. Bipolar gradient subtraction is employed to suppress signal from static tissues, which in turn allows elimination of phase encoding in the depth dimension. The sequence is cardiac gated to improve image quality and to allow observation of hemodynamics. To further improve image quality, the amplitude of the bipolar gradient is altered throughout the cardiac cycle to provide maximum vessel signal at all cardiac phases. The ECG-gated phase contrast line scan sequence has been used to image regions where cardiac pulsatility and respiratory motion compromise the quality of images obtained using standard spin warp angiographic methods.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1992

A data adaptive reprojection technique for MR angiography.

Inability to detect vessel overlap and vascular loops can compromise the interpretation of magnetic resonance angiograms. A data-adaptive ray tracing (DART) technique was developed to produce the appropriate variations in signal intensity at points of vessel overlap in order to simulate the standard angiographic representation of vessels. In this technique a threshold is utilized to identify vessels in the image slices composing a 3D angiographic data set. A mask, which defines regions slightly larger than the vessel boundaries, is obtained by blurring the vessel information surviving the initial threshold. This mask is converted to binary form prior to multiplication by the original angiographic data set. Following application of an additional threshold to the masked data, line integrals through the regions defined by the mask are performed to obtain an angiographic signal proportional to the integrated vessel signal as in conventional angiography. This integrated reprojection is then uniquely combined with a maximum intensity pixel (MIP) reprojection to produce the final DART image. The application of the DART technique to 2D time-of-flight and 3D phase-contrast angiograms successfully enabled the identification of over-lapping vessels and vascular loops. DART was also found to produce less vessel narrowing than the MIP technique.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1992

Peripheral MR angiography with variable velocity encoding. Work in progress.

An electrocardiographically triggered two-dimensional phase-contrast (PC) magnetic resonance angiographic pulse sequence was developed in which velocity encoding (VENC) was varied throughout an acquisition in response to changes in blood velocity during the cardiac cycle. This was done to better capture signal in the peripheral vasculature, where pulsatile flow degrades images. After reconstruction, a matched filter addition technique was applied to the cardiac phase images to obtain a single high-quality static image. Images were obtained of six healthy volunteers--with and without varying VENC--and contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) calculations were performed for the added images. Varying VENC significantly improved vascular signal from small and large vessels (P less than .02), but it was most helpful for small vessels, for which the C/N increased by as much as 260% (average increase, 149%). These preliminary findings suggest that variable VENC can enhance the signal from the small and large peripheral blood vessels in cardiac-gated PC acquisitions.

Angiography↗