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H Jara

Publications and source records attributed to H Jara.

40 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Multislice T1-weighted hybrid RARE in CNS imaging: assessment of magnetization transfer effects and artifacts.

Using a T1-weighted hybrid rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) MR sequence that implements an echo-to-view mapping scheme termed "low-high profile order," we evaluated signal intensity changes in different brain tissues as a function of number of slices, interslice gap, and echo train length (ETL). We also measured phase-encode and frequency-encode noise as well as blurring artifacts along the phase-encode direction as a function of ETL. Off-resonance magnetization transfer effects were demonstrated to be responsible for signal intensities changes in white matter and gray matter when using multislice techniques. These effects are amplified by increasing the number of slices and ETL. Due to the nature of the implemented echo-to-view mapping scheme, no on-resonance magnetization transfer effects were observed from the intraslice echo train. Selective background (white matter and gray matter) suppression in multislice T1-weighted hybrid RARE, secondary to off-resonance magnetization transfer effects, may provide better contrast resolution of enhancing central nervous system (CNS) lesions at much shorter scan time as compared to conventional spin-echo T1-weighted sequences. This improvement in contrast resolution as a function of ETL may be limited by worsening phase-encode noise and blurring artifacts.

Artifacts↗

Black-blood MR angiography with GRASE: measurement of flow-induced signal attenuation.

We investigated the feasibility of performing black-blood MR angiography (MRA) with the gradient and spin-echo (GRASE) pulse sequence. Phantom experiments and human testing were conducted, and the results were compared with those of turbo spin-echo (TSE). We demonstrated that both techniques are able to produce signal suppression of flowing fluid to background level. With fewer radiofrequency (RF)-refocusing pulses, GRASE pulse sequences could serve as an alternative black-blood technique of reduced RF power exposure and shorter scan time. These relative advantages of GRASE may become useful when high-resolution images are taken.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

Inner ear volumetric measurements using high-resolution 3D T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging: initial experience in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adult size is achieved in the inner ear labyrinth by approximately 25 weeks' gestation, and minimal variability in age, sex, side, and race is found after birth. In this study, we opted to determine the reproducibility of inner ear volumetric measurements generated from high-resolution heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR images. METHODS: The temporal bones of 23 volunteers were imaged using a heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR imaging technique. The images were assessed by a neuroradiologist for the presence of inner ear configurational anomalies and, most important, for complete coverage of the inner ear labyrinth. Subsequently, the volume of the fluid in the inner ear was determined by two observers using a semiautomated segmentation algorithm. The mean, SD, range, and coefficient of variation of fluid volume in the inner ear were calculated. Age-, sex-, and side-related differences in the inner ear volumetric measurements were evaluated using analysis of variance. Interrater consistency in the inner ear volumetric measurements was evaluated by comparing the calculated coefficients of reliability. RESULTS: Volumetric measurements were available from 46 inner ears in 23 volunteers. The mean volume was 227.8 mm3 (SD, 24.4 mm3), and the coefficient of variation was 10.7%. No age-, sex-, or side-related differences in the inner ear volumetric measurements were found (F ratios were 4.33, 5.04, and 0.26, respectively). Interrater consistency, as assessed by the coefficient of reliability, was 5.3%. CONCLUSION: Reproducible volumetric measurements of the inner ear labyrinth can be obtained by applying a semiautomated segmentation algorithm to a heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR imaging data set. These volumetric measurements may help identify patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss and normal inner ear configuration.

Adult↗