Biomedical subjects

F Schick

Publications and source records attributed to F Schick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Fast elevation of the intramyocellular lipid content in the presence of circulating free fatty acids and hyperinsulinemia: a dynamic 1H-MRS study.

The influence of a short-term elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) on intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) under hyperinsulinemic conditions was monitored in five healthy male subjects in the course of a 5-hr hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. During the glucose clamp a lipid emulsion (Intralipid 20(R)) and heparin were administered intravenously. IMCL was quantified in the tibialis anterior (TA) and the soleus (SOL) muscle by (1)H-MRS. A rapid elevation of the IMCL pool was found in both muscles (61% in TA and 22% in SOL) in the 5-hr time period. A control hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp in the same study group, repeated without elevation of circulating FFAs, did not lead to significant changes in IMCL for both muscles. The present study shows for the first time that only the combination of high concentrations of FFAs and insulin lead to marked storage of lipids in skeletal muscle cells in humans. Magn Reson Med 45:179-183, 2001.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Osteodensitometry of human heel bones by MR spin-echo imaging: comparison with MR gradient-echo imaging and quantitative computed tomography.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) fast spin-echo (FSE) imaging with moderate spatial resolution enables osteodensitometry in peripheral yellow bone marrow. Signal intensities in T1-weighted FSE images from yellow bone marrow indicate the amount of adipose tissue per volume. The signal intensity in marrow regions with spongy bone was assessed and compared to signal intensity of pure fatty marrow (100%). Heel bones of 30 patients with suspected osteoporosis were analyzed and the FSE images were compared with results from parallel MR gradient-echo (GE) imaging and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) examinations. High correlation was found between FSE imaging and QCT [r = 0.91 in the dorsal region of interest (ROI); r = 0.86 in ventral ROI]. Linear correlation coefficients between GE imaging and QCT were slightly lower in the dorsal part (r = -0.86) and considerably lower in the ventral part (r = -0.68). Correlation between the two MR techniques amounted to r = -0.72/-0.61 (dorsal/ventral). The high correlation between FSE imaging and bone mineral density (BMD) allows possible clinical applications of FSE imaging for diagnosis of osteoporosis. Further improvements of the accuracy using reference phantoms might be possible.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[MR tomographic characterization of suspicious breast lesions with dynamic susceptibility-weighted T2* sequences].

PURPOSE: To increase specificity of MR-mammography by using dynamic T2* sequences. METHODS: 23 patients with suspicious lesions of the breast underwent conventional dynamic T1-weighted (T1-dynamic) breast MRI and, subsequently, dynamic T2*-weighted (T2*-dynamic) perfusion studies. To assess the T1-dynamic, signal enhancement during the first minute (E1) was calculated. To evaluate the T2*-dynamic, relative signal intensity loss after administration of contrast medium was determined. RESULTS: After administration of contrast medium, 6 of 13 malignant lesions did not show a signal decrease during the T2*-dynamic. Two of them exhibited an atypical signal enhancement in the T1-dynamic, with E1 < 100%. On the other hand, in 5 of 10 benign tumors a relative signal decrease of between 5-17% occurred during the T2*-dynamic. Four benign lesions showed a strong early signal enhancement during the T1-dynamic (E1 > 100%), which is more typical for malignant lesions. DISCUSSION: The use of dynamic T2* sequences, following dynamic T1-weighted breast MRI and administration of contrast medium, does not sufficiently increase diagnostic sensitivity. Thus, this study does not support the potential advantage of susceptibility MR imaging for a further characterization of breast lesions.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Utilisation of intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs) during exercise as assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Recently, a 1H-MRS method became available to quantify intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) non-invasively. Currently, little is known about the regulation of this lipid pool. During prolonged exercise of moderate intensity, non-plasma-derived fatty acids play an important role as an energy source; lipids located within the skeletal muscle are considered to be a major source for these fatty acids. To see whether IMCL are reduced by exercise, 12 male runners were studied before and after exercising at different workloads and duration. Six subjects participated in a non-competitive run (NCR), three runners in a competitive half marathon (HM, 21 km) and another three in a competitive marathon (M, 42 km). Intra- and extramyocellular lipids were quantified by 1H-MR spectroscopy in the tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles prior to and after the exercise bout. Moderate intensity (MI; 60-70% VO2max in NCR) with a mean exercise time (MET) ranging between 105-110 min decreased IMCL by 10 - 36% in both muscles. Prolonged MI exercise (MET 210-240 min; 68-70% VO2max in M) reduced IMCL by 42-57% in TA and 27 - 56% in SOL. In contrast, high intensity exercise (HI; MET 80-120 min; 83-85% VO2max in HM) did not alter IMCL in either muscle. Extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) did not show any significant change in any group. The data show that one bout of moderate-intensity (60-70% VO2max) aerobic exercise markedly reduces the IMCL in TA and SOL muscles in a time-dependent fashion as assessed by 1H-MRS. However, exercise of similar duration but higher workload (> 80% VO2max) does not reduce IMCL. These data suggest that both exercise duration and workload are important factors in determining the reduction of IMCL.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Fast acceleration-encoded magnetic resonance imaging.

Direct acceleration imaging with high spatial resolution was implemented and tested. The well-known principle of phase encoding motion components was applied. Suitable gradient switching provides a signal phase shift proportional to the acceleration perpendicular to the slice in the first scan of the sequences. An additional scan serving as a reference was recorded for compensation of phase effects due to magnetic field inhomogeneities. The first scan compensated for phase shifts from undesired first- and second-order motions; the second scan was completely insensitive to velocity and acceleration in all directions. Advantages of the proposed two-step technique compared to former approaches with Fourier acceleration encoding (with several phase encoding steps) are relatively short echo times and short total measuring times. On the other hand, the new approach does not allow us to assess the velocity or acceleration spectrum simultaneously. The capabilities of the sequences were tested on a modern 1.5 T whole body MR unit providing relatively high gradient amplitudes (25 mT/m) and short rise times (600 micros to maximum amplitude). The results from a mechanical acceleration phantom showed a standard deviation of 0.3 m/s2 in sequences with an acceleration range between -12 and 12 m/s2. This range covers the expected maximum acceleration in the human aorta of 10 m/s2. Further tests were performed on a stenosis phantom with a variable volume flow rate to assess the flow characteristics and possible displacement artifacts of the sequences. Preliminary examinations of volunteers demonstrate the potential applicability of the technique in vivo.

Acceleration↗

PubMed2000

Acquired generalized lipoatrophy (AGL): highly selective MR lipid imaging and localized (1)H-MRS.

Frequency-selective chemical shift magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was applied on the calf musculature and the abdomen of a patient with acquired generalized lipoatrophy (AGL; Lawrence syndrome), a very rare syndrome affecting selectively several types of adipose tissue accompanied by alterations in glucose and energy metabolism. In addition, (1)H-MRS was used for assessment of intra- (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid stores (EMCL) in the skeletal musculature of the calf. Results from the AGL patient were compared with an age-matched group of five healthy volunteers. Fat-selective imaging of the calf revealed a total lack of subcutaneous adipose tissue. No EMCL signal was found in the spectra from the soleus muscle of the AGL patient. IMCL signals were present in the spectra but were clearly lower than in the controls (14% of normal value in the soleus muscle). In abdominal images, subcutaneous fat signal was not detectable, as in the calf, but nearly normal conditions were shown for visceral adipose tissue between abdominal organs. Fat-selective images showed the liver with high signal intensity, indicating hepatic steatosis combined with hepatosplenomegaly. Modern chemical shift-selective MR imaging and localized spectroscopy allow a noninvasive and quantitative assessment of tissue composition in patients with disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

Synergistic effect between iron and gadolinium in MRI.

Different combinations of iron glycerophosphate (Fe) and gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (Gd) were imaged with a three-dimensional (3D) gradient-recalled echo (GRE), a 2D GRE, and a HASTE sequence on a 1.5-T MR scanner. A combination of Fe and Gd results in a synergistic effect, which improves the signal gain for selective 3D imaging of the colon and simultaneously decreases the endoluminal signal on the HASTE and 2D GRE images for better visualization of water and Gd-enhanced structures in the gut wall.

Colonic Diseases↗

PubMed2000

MR imaging in the presence of vascular stents: A systematic assessment of artifacts for various stent orientations, sequence types, and field strengths.

A systematic evaluation of the potential quality of magnetic resonance images recorded in the presence of metallic stents was performed on a low-field open imager operating at 0.2 T and on a high-field closed unit operating at 1.0 T. Eight different stent types were examined by two-dimensional gradient-echo sequences with echo times of 4 and 10 msec and by a fast spin-echo technique. In addition, a three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence was applied with an echo time of 2.4 msec. A set of sequence and slice parameters was used on both scanners. Thus, artifacts due to susceptibility effects depending on the magnetic field strength could be distinguished from radiofrequency shielding effects in the lumen of the stents (independent of the field strength). Nine different orthogonal orientations of the stent axis and the image (in terms of slice, read, and phase-encoding direction) were tested, and the artifacts (extension of signal void and visibility of the lumen) were compared. The optimal strategy for visualization of vascular and perivascular regions outside the stents was fast spin-echo imaging with the stent axis and read direction parallel to the static field. Susceptibility-induced signal void in gradient-echo images was minimal using the three-dimensional approach. Increased transmitter amplitudes above usual values provided clearly improved insight in the lumen using gradient-echo sequences.

Alloys↗

PubMed2000

[The MR characterization of the composition of the hematopoietic bone marrow. The findings in generalized neoplasms and the monitoring of therapy].

PURPOSE: Methodological work was performed in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) in order to develop suitable tools for non-invasive characterization of hematopoietic bone marrow. The methods were applied for the assessment of normal values in healthy persons and to examine patients with generalized hematological diseases or to monitor effects of therapies influencing the composition of bone marrow. METHODS: Besides standard techniques of MRI as T1- or T2-weighted methods, chemical shift techniques for selective visualization of water or lipid components were applied. The method of magnetization transfer (MT) contrast was used with the intention to differentiate between multiple water containing tissue compartments (intra- vs. extracellular space). A further approach was the determination of the magnetic field distribution within spongy bone marrow. Besides investigations in healthy volunteers, prospective clinical studies were carried out in patients suffering from acute leukemia during their initial treatment and in patients who underwent high-dose therapy with following peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). RESULTS: Especially MR techniques for selective imaging of water of fat signals and proton spectroscopy yielded a high sensitivity to primarily pathological or therapeutically induced changes of hematopoietic bone marrow. Application of MT allowed an improved differentiation of the tissue compartments under PBSCT, which might result in temporary edema. Storage of hemosiderin in bone marrow after blood transfusions and simultaneous hematopoietic insufficiency could be revealed by methods sensitive to magnetic field inhomogeneities. CONCLUSIONS: Methods of MRI and MRS allow to non-invasively characterize hematopoietic bone marrow in the course of hematological diseases and during therapy. Marked changes in the composition of hematological bone marrow are detectable for extensive marrow areas. The prognostic relevance of the findings has to be evaluated in future follow-up studies.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Conventional high resolution versus fast T(2)-weighted MR imaging of the heart: assessment of reperfusion induced myocardial injury in an animal model.

Cardiac image quality in terms of spatial resolution and signal contrast was assessed for conventional and newly developed T(2)-weighted fast spin-echo imaging with high k-space segmentation. The capability in revealing regional myocardial edema and cellular damage was examined by a porcine model using histopathologic correlation. Twelve porcine hearts were excised from slaughtered animals and instantly perfused with 1000 mL cold cardioplegic solution. After 4 h of cold ischemia the hearts were reperfused for one hour using a "Langendorff" perfusion model followed by MR imaging at 1.5 Tesla. Three additional pig hearts served as controls and were studied by MR directly after harvesting. Histopathological analysis of regional tissue changes was performed macro- and microscopically. Short axis T(2)-weighted (3000/45 and 90) high quality fast spin-echo (FSE) images were recorded without cardiac action and signal intensity was correlated with histology. These images also served as gold standard for evaluation of newly developed faster sequences allowing measuring times shorter than 20 s. Fast T(2)-weighted imaging comprised single-slice fast spin echo (moderate echo train length of 23 echoes, FSE(m)), and multi-slice single-shot half-Fourier fast spin-echo (71 echoes, FSE(HASTE)) sequences, supplemented by versions with inversion recovery preparation (FSE(m)IR and FSE(HASTE)IR). Systolic function after reperfusion was restored in 10 porcine hearts. Tissue alterations included myocardial edema and contraction band necrosis which was found to be most severe in myocardium with maximum T(2) SI. Especially FSE(m) and FSE(m)IR sequences allowed differentiation of all categories of tissue damage on a high level of significance. In contrast, single-shot FSE(HASTE) and FSE(HASTE)IR sequences did not provide sufficient image quality to discriminate moderate and severe myocardial damage (p > 0.05). Different degrees of myocardial injury after ischemia and reperfusion can be staged by MR imaging, especially using conventional high resolution T(2)-weighted FSE sequences. The animal study indicates that fast T(2)-weighted FSE(m) and FSE(m)IR sequences lead to superior image quality and diagnostic accuracy compared to FSE(HASTE) and FSE(HASTE)IR imaging.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2000

An interleaved sampling strategy for MR spectroscopy in vivo: applications on human calf musculature.

Assessment of relaxation times, magnetization transfer rates, or apparent diffusion coefficients by volume selective (1)H MR spectroscopy requires data from several single spectra with variable sequence parameters. Unintentional movements during the examination lead to inaccuracies, especially if the spatial distribution of concentrations is inhomogeneous. Improved comparability of the single spectra in a series recorded in vivo were obtained using a modified spectroscopic technique with INTerleaved ACquisiTion of multiple SPECtra (INTACTSPEC). INTACTSPEC series of spectra from the tibialis anterior muscle (m. tib. ant.), soleus muscle (m. soleus), and tibial bone marrow of 20 healthy volunteers were analyzed. Transverse relaxation times T(2) of methylene signals in muscular lipid stores ranged from 77 ms (intramyocellular methylene component in m. tib. ant.) to 88 ms (intramyocellular methylene component in m. soleus) and were similar to those from yellow tibial bone marrow (T(2) = 84 ms). Echo time-dependent signal intensities of choline and creatine deviated markedly from a monoexponential behavior in m. tib. ant., but were nearly exponential in m. soleus. Results from water diffusion measurements parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the lower leg showed significant differences between m. tib. ant. and m. soleus, probably due to the spatial orientation of the muscle fibers. Apparent diffusion coefficients along the leg axis were found to be higher in m. tib. ant. (2.10 +/- 0.08 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) compared to m. soleus (1.78 +/- 0.11 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s), but m. soleus showed less restricted diffusion in perpendicular orientation (1.59 +/- 0.19 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s versus 1.20 +/- 0.08 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s in m. tib. ant.). Magnetization transfer experiments with various RF preparation pulse amplitudes led to very similar results for m. tib. ant. and m. soleus.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[MRI-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic neoplasms--first technical and clinical experiences].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MR-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic neoplasms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 16 hepatic neoplasms (1.3-3.0 cm in diameter) in 11 patients were treated by 22 percutaneous RFA sessions during a prospective study. 16 G, MR-compatible cooled-tip electrodes with active lengths of 2 cm and 3 cm, respectively, were placed under MR-guidance in an open 0.2 Tesla MR system (Magnetom Open, Siemens, Erlangen) using fast T1-weighted sequences. Pretreatment studies, evaluation of tumor necrosis (one week after last RFA), and further follow-up studies every 3 months were performed using 1.5 Tesla MR systems. RESULTS: The mean procedure time was 2.8 (1.5-3.3) h. Complications related to percutaneous treatment were not encountered. 14 of 16 neoplasms (87%) showed no CM enhancement during MRI after the last RFA and were judged to be completely necrotic. In 11 tumors one treatment session was necessary, in 4 tumors two and in one tumor three. Follow-up studies revealed persistent complete necrosis in 13 of 14 (93%) tumors during a period of 3-18 (median: 11.8) months. In 5 patients new intrahepatic tumors developed that were not suitable for further RFA treatment because of their number, size and location. CONCLUSION: MR-guided RFA using single cooled tip electrodes is safe and technically effective for treatment of hepatic neoplasms up to 3 cm in size, however further improvements are necessary.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The MR signal behavior of a 4-week-old occlusive myocardial infarct in an animal experiment].

PURPOSE: To correlate signal behaviour in T1- and T2-weighted images after Gd-DTPA with regional histopathology in occlusive myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Ligation of a diagonal branch of the LAD was performed in seven sheep. Four weeks later 0.1 mmol Gd-DTPA/kg were injected in five sheep 15 min before cardiac arrest and the sheep were slaughtered. In vitro imaging was performed at 1.5 T included T1- and T2-weighted spin echo sequences in long and short axis views. Signal intensities (SI) were determined in 36 myocardial segments per slice and compared to macro- and microscopy. RESULTS: In all animals an antero-lateral infarct region was evident histologically. This region presented with increased T2 SI and T1 SI after Gd-DTPA. The number of segments with increased SI in T1-weighted images was higher (n = 195 segments) compared to segments with increased T2 SI (n = 122 segments). Granulation tissue could be differentiated from rarely vascularized connective tissue at a high level of significance (p < 0.001) by T1 and T2 SI analysis. Wall thickness was significantly decreased in necrotic myocardium (3.8 +/- 1.2 mm) compared to normal tissue (9.8 +/- 1.1 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In four-week-old occlusive MI the extent of necrosis can be accurately assessed by analysis of post contrast T1-weighted images. Considering regional T2 SI, granulation tissue can be differentiated from regions with predominant fibrous organisation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Variability in the MR tomographic determination of myocardial function and perfusion parameters in health subjects].

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate myocardial function and perfusion patterns using magnetic resonance imaging in normal subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 healthy volunteers were examined. Cine-mode acquisitions along all three axes of the heart were generated and perfusion was measured on a mid-ventricular short-axis view. Myocardial wall thickening was scored and contrast enhancement during the first pass was analysed. RESULTS: For myocardial wall thickening increasing values from base (24-86%) to apex (63-106%) were found. Contrast enhancement patterns showed regional variability. In addition marked individual differences were detectable. CONCLUSION: Perfusion patterns should be interpreted only in combination with functional parameters. Standard values for perfusion measurements cover very large range as a result of the high individual variability.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic neoplasms using a "cluster" electrode--first clinical results].

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic neoplasms using a clustered electrode. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Percutaneous, CT-guided RFA using a clustered electrode was performed in 12 patients with a total of 15 hepatic neoplasms (2.0-6.0 cm in diameter). RESULTS: A total of 17 percutaneous RFA was performed. The mean total procedure time was 2.0 h (1.5-2.5 h). Placement of the clustered electrode within the neoplasms using a inter- or subcostal approach under local anesthesia was possible in all cases. Complications related to percutaneous treatment and technical problems were not encountered. Diameter of the ablated areas ranged between 3.0-7.0 cm. Technical success was observed in 13 of 15 neoplasms (86.6%). During a mean follow-up of 7.25 months (range 3-12 months) 8 of 12 neoplasms showed a complete necrosis. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous RFA using a clustered electrode is a feasible, safe and effective procedure for the treatment of hepatic neoplasms up to 6 cm in size.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Dynamic MR imaging of liver metastases with Gd-EOB-DTPA.

PURPOSE: To assess liver and lesion enhancements by dynamic MR imaging after bolus injection of the hepatobiliary contrast agent gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in patients with liver metastases and to compare the effect of different doses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized double-blinded trial with doses of 12.5, 25 and 50 micromol/kg Gd-EOB-DTPA was performed in 35 patients with liver metastases. Liver enhancement, tumor enhancement and liver lesion contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios were calculated from breath-hold gradient echo images (100/5/80 degrees) recorded precontrast and at different times up to 10 min postcontrast. RESULTS: Normal liver showed a characteristic enhancement pattern, with a rapid enhancement in the first 45 s postcontrast and a slight but significant further increase up to 600 s. The initial enhancement in the lesions was also pronounced, but the enhancement was slightly decreased after 240 s postcontrast. At dose levels of 12.5 and 25 micromol/kg Gd-EOB-DTPA, C/N ratios significantly increased compared to baseline from 90 to 600 s. Postcontrast C/N-values obtained using 50 micromol/kg Gd-EOB-DTPA were not significantly increased, except for the examinations 480 s postcontrast. CONCLUSION: In liver metastases, C/N ratios obtained with doses of 12.5 and 25 micromol/kg Gd-EOB-DTPA were slightly superior to 50 micromol/kg Gd-EOB-DTPA. This finding is probably due to a more pronounced extracellular effect of the contrast medium at higher doses.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Fat- and water-selective MR cine imaging of the human heart: assessment of right ventricular dysplasia.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop and implement MR sequences for chemical shift-selective breath-hold cine imaging of the heart. Fibroadipose conversion of myocardium in cases suspected of right ventricular dysplasia should be revealed in fat- and water-selective MR images of high quality. METHODS: Frequency-selective saturation of one chemical shift component was applied in modified k-space-segmented, electrocardiography-gated sequences, allowing high-quality cine imaging of the human heart in a single breath-hold. Phantom studies and human examinations in eight normal subjects (aged 24-62 years) and in seven patients (aged 31-47 years) with suspected right ventricular dysplasia were performed. The patients showed suspicious findings, such as a dyskinetic and dilated right ventricle combined with ventricular arrhythmia, and underwent MR imaging after exclusion of other possible reasons (eg, coronary artery disease or pulmonary hypertension). RESULTS: High selectivity to the desired chemical shift component was confirmed by test measurements in a phantom containing water and lipids. In the human subjects, minor problems with magnetic field inhomogeneities appeared in the thoracic walls only. Four patients with suspected right ventricular dysplasia showed clearly abnormal signal behavior of the right myocardial wall in both fat- and water-selective cine images. Bright transmural structures were exhibited in fat-selective images, but the origin of the fat (epicardium or infiltrated myocardium) was often difficult to assess. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular areas with fibrosis and fatty degeneration often show normal signal intensity in standard T1-weighted images but can be differentiated from normal tissue by the new chemical shift-selective breath-hold cine techniques.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

Magnetic resonance osteodensitometry in human heel bones: correlation with quantitative computed tomography using different measuring parameters.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Density of trabecular bone structures in human heel bones was assessed by 3D magnetic resonance (MR) gradient echo imaging (GEI) with multiple echoes. Different spatial resolutions were applied to investigate the influence of the pixel size on signal characteristics in GEI and to find suitable measuring parameters for a maximum correlation between GEI and bone mineral density obtained by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). METHODS: Thirty-five patients aged 31 to 65 years with suspected osteoporosis underwent MR and QCT examinations of the heel bones. The MR protocol included 3D GEI with three echo times (TE1 = 9.3, TE2 = 27.9, and TE3 = 46.5 ms) and isotropic pixel sizes of (0.6 mm)3, (1.2 mm)3, and (2.4 mm)3. Several subregions in the heel bones were analyzed. For determination of signal reduction with increasing TE, signal intensity ratios were calculated pixelwise from images with TE2/TE1 and TE3/TE1. RESULTS: All examinations showed that the T2*-related signal decrease was more pronounced for lower spatial resolution. In the dorsal part of the heel bones, the correlation between signal ratios in GEI and QCT-based bone mineral density values was between r = -0.86 for a spatial resolution of (0.6 mm)3 and r = -0.73 for (2.4 mm)3. Areas with low trabecular density in the ventral part of the heel bones showed clearly lower correlation coefficients (-0.65 < r < -0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Spatial resolution in 3D GEI clearly influences the T2*-related signal characteristics. Despite measuring different physical properties of spongy bone by GEI and QCT, a relatively high correlation between GEI with small pixel sizes and QCT was obtained in the dorsal part of the heel bones, but not in the ventral part with partly thickened trabeculae and irregular distribution. However, standardized measuring protocols with preferably small pixel sizes (as low as [0.6 mm]3) should be applied, and correlation curves must be determined, dependent on the actual bone marrow site, before clinical routine MR osteodensitometry becomes possible.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗