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Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced echo-planar MR imaging of the liver: effect of pulse sequence and dose on enhancement.

To develop guidelines for clinical magnetic resonance imaging of the liver, the authors undertook an animal study to investigate the effect of dose and pulse sequence on liver signal intensity in gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced echo-planar imaging. Serial imaging of the liver was performed in anesthetized rats after intravenous administration of five different doses (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mmol/kg) of contrast agent, with six different pulse sequences. The results show that gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced echo-planar images obtained during the perfusion phase can yield either positive (due to increased T1 relaxation rates) or negative (due to susceptibility-induced increased T2 relaxation rates) liver enhancement depending on choice of pulse sequence and dose. At the current clinically recommended dose of 0.1 mmol/kg, maximal liver signal enhancement was seen with a T1-weighted inversion-recovery sequence, while maximal liver signal diminution was seen with a T2*-weighted gradient-echo sequence. The authors conclude that gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced echo-planar imaging can provide T1, T2, and T2* contrast that may be exploited for both lesion detection and lesion characterization.

Animals↗

MR imaging of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine with ultrashort TE pulse sequences.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences to image the lumbar spine. MATERIALS: Pulse sequences of TE=0.08 ms were used to image the lumbar spine in 5 normal subjects and 14 patients with degenerative disease. Contrast enhancement was administered in 11 cases. RESULTS: The sequences showed high signal in the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, the cartilaginous end plate, the annulus fibrosus, the ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligaments and insertions of ligaments. Normal contrast enhancement was seen in these structures. Enhancement of hypertrophied ligaments and scar tissue was readily identified. Long T2 suppression techniques were useful in distinguishing enhancement of scar tissue from veins. Enhancement in discs was more obvious than with conventional sequences. In a case of thalassaemia bands of high signal were seen in the intervertebral discs parallel to the end plates. CONCLUSION: The UTE sequences offer new options for visualizing discs, scar tissue, ligaments and other structures of the lumbar spine in health and disease.

Adult↗

Early diagnosis of herpes encephalopathy using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery pulse sequence.

This study describes the usefulness of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequence for early diagnosis and treatment of herpes encephalitis. An 8-year-old boy with suspected herpes simplex encephalitis was examined by magnetic resonance imaging at 3 days post-symptom onset. Lesions in the right thalamus and insular cortex were detected by conventional T2-weighted images and images from FLAIR pulse sequence. Bilateral temporal lesions, however, were only detected by FLAIR images.

Child↗

Acoustic noise analysis in echo planar imaging: multicenter trial and comparison with other pulse sequences.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate acoustic noise in echo planar imaging (EPI) at various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers and to compare EPI acoustic noise with that in other fast pulse sequences. We measured A-weighted root-mean-square sound pressure levels and peak impulse sound pressure levels for EPI, under the same conditions, in eleven clinical super-conducting MRI systems. We also compared sound pressure levels for the EPI and six different pulse sequences and analyzed the acoustic noise spectra. Sound pressure levels during the use of the EPI differed greatly among institutions. Moreover, sound pressure levels of the EPI were not significantly different from those of other fast pulse sequences and were within permissible noise exposure levels. In comparison to other fast sequences, the EPI had significantly greater acoustic noise in the high-octave band frequency.

Acoustics↗

k-Space partition diagrams: a graphical tool for analysis of MRI pulse sequences.

A new type of graphical tool for explaining and analyzing magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequences is developed and illustrated. This tool combines the partition diagram, which shows the evolution of multiple echoes with the application of multiple RF pulses, and k-space graphs, which show the evolution of the transverse magnetization as gradients are applied. The strength of the new tool lies in its ability to depict clearly the progression of complex imaging pulse sequences. Several complicated excitation sequences are used to illustrate this method.

Data Display↗

Minimizing dead-periods in flow-encoded or -compensated pulse sequences while imaging in oblique planes.

A technique is developed to minimize magnetic resonance pulse sequence dead-periods, with first and higher moment requirements, while imaging in oblique planes. Dead-period requirements of starting amplitude, ending amplitudes, area, and other moment requirements are transformed from the image coordinate system to the physical gradient coordinate system, where the waveforms are then designed. With this technique, the full capabilities of the gradient hardware are utilized. An online algorithm is presented to perform dead-period minimization and gradient waveform design when the first moment and area of the dead-period are specified. The algorithm is then used to implement three-axis flow-compensation in a fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence. This results in a minimal increase in TE and TR over an equivalent non-flow-compensated sequence, and little variation in the minimum TR over the entire range of oblique slice orientations. Applications of this algorithm extend to the optimization of any pulse sequence in which the first moment is important and oblique imaging is required. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:183-192.

Algorithms↗

A "magic sandwich" pulse sequence with reduced offset dependence for high-resolution separated local field spectroscopy.

A pulse sequence for high resolution separated local field spectroscopy based on "magic sandwich" elements is demonstrated on a single crystal sample. Simulations and experimental results show that this pulse sequence has a reduced frequency offset dependence compared to PISEMA (polarization inversion spin exchange at the magic angle). As a result, it has a larger effective range of homonuclear decoupling, reduced zero-frequency spectral distortions, and more reliable scale factors for individual resonances. In addition, it is easier to setup on commercial spectrometers.

Computer Simulation↗

Effect of pentaphasic pulse sequence as an impedance sensor on standard electrocardiographic recordings.

Two advances in cardiac pacing have resulted in an internal conflict in some pacemakers. One is the development of a standard lead physiological sensor and the other is protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI). One popular type of standard lead sensor uses sub-threshold pulses to measure intracardiac and intrathoracic impedance changes, i.e., minute ventilation. Recent clinical observations and extensive in vitro testing have verified that digital cellular phones can be troublesome. Large feedthrough capacitors (FCs), effective in blocking the EMI, will preclude sensing of the standard impedance-based signals. A variety of pulse configurations were studied that might be effective for a sensor-based impedance signal while allowing the pacemaker to continue to use large Fcs protecting them from environmental EMI. In comparison to both monophasic and biphasic pulse sequences, a pentaphasic pulse sequence was effective as an impedance sensor, still allows large FCs to function as an effective filter for environmental EMI, and would not produce artifacts on surface ECG.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗

Short-Ti inversion-recovery pulse sequence: analysis and initial experience in cancer imaging.

Inversion recovery (IR), commonly considered a pulse sequence capable of producing T1-weighted images with excellent display of normal anatomy, is versatile: The null point and peak time provide a useful, succinct summary of the properties of IR and its capacity for producing both T1- and T2-weighted images. Shortening of the inversion time (TI) and creation of a short-TI inversion-recovery (STIR) pulse sequence increases sensitivity to malignancy and other abnormalities by making the effects of prolonged T1 and T2 on signal intensity additive and by nulling the signal from fat. The authors examined over 300 patients with various malignancies and compared STIR images with T1- and T2-weighted images obtained at 0.5 T. In 43 cases, signal-difference-to-noise ratios (SD/Ns) were calculated between tumor, fat, and muscle. In general, STIR images demonstrated tumor as a conspicuously high-intensity area in a background of muted, discernible anatomic detail. The good contrast achieved with STIR sequences between tumor and fat (SD/N = 18.1) and tumor and muscle (SD/N = 12.9) consolidated into a single image the information contained separately on T1- and T2-weighted images, which facilitates efficient detection and localization of malignancy.

Adipose Tissue↗

Measuring 1H-1H and 1H-13C RDCs in methyl groups: example of pulse sequences with numerically optimized coherence transfer schemes.

The optimization of coherence-transfer pulse-sequence elements (CTEs) is the most challenging step in the construction of heteronuclear correlation NMR experiments achieving sensitivity close to its theoretical maximum (in the absence of relaxation) in the shortest possible experimental time and featuring active suppression of undesired signals. As reported in the present article, this complex optimization problem in a space of high dimensionality turns out to be numerically tractable. Based on the application of molecular dynamics in the space of pulse-sequence variables, a general method is proposed for constructing optimized CTEs capable of transferring an arbitrary (generally non-Hermitian) spin operator encoding the chemical shift of heteronuclear spins to an arbitrary spin operator suitable for signal detection. The CTEs constructed in this way are evaluated against benchmarks provided by the theoretical unitary bound for coherence transfer and the minimal required transfer time (when available). This approach is used to design a set of NMR experiments enabling direct and selective observation of individual (1)H-transitions in (13)C-labeled methyl spin systems close to optimal sensitivity and using a minimal number of spectra. As an illustrative application of the method, optimized CTEs are used to quantitatively measure (1)H-(1)H and (1)H-(13)C residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) in a 17 kDa protein weakly aligned by means of Pf1 phages.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗

Update to pulse sequences for interventional MR imaging.

The motivations for developing MR-guided minimally invasive therapy include its excellent soft tissue contrast, tomographic imaging in any direction (as opposed to projection imaging as in fluoroscopy), the absence of ionizing radiation,the abundance of contrast mechanisms (including bright blood pulse sequences that lead to excellent vessel conspicuity without exogenous contrast agent injection), the ability to obtain physiologic information such as perfusion, and an overall excellent safety profile. The main pulse sequences used today for interventional MR imaging are T1/T2-weighted FISP and TrueFISP, T2-weighted turbo spin-echo, and T1-weighted FLASH. The specific clinical question, the underlying pathophysiology,and the procedure to be performed dictate which sequence is used. Each of these sequences has been written to acquire data in conventional rectilinear trajectories, radial k-space paths, or even spirals. In many ways, the questions being researched in interventional MR imaging have been dictated by the primary issues in greatest need of resolution or that most directly facilitate new clinical development. A decade ago, research focused on exploration of new scan strategies for contrast and temporal resolution. Advancements in the last decade have made it possible to acquire and display greater than 10 images per second in realtime with millimeter resolution in all three directions. This temporal and spatial resolution is considered high enough to guide most interventions. With this capability, other research has focused on instrument tracking. The field has gone from the capability to track a single coil and superimpose it on a previously acquired roadmap to systems that follow, adapt, and provide high-resolution images due to the advent of multichannel receiver systems, improved graphics, higher processor speeds, and increases in speed and quantity of memory. Hence, instruments can be reliably identified and tracked and the information can be used to update pulse sequence parameters in real time, thereby opening new opportunities for interventional MR imaging that extend from biopsy and thermal therapy to image-guided vascular and cardiac procedures. Today, we see such issues as RF heating of wires used for device localization and the noise generated by rapid switching of MR gradients being significant obstacles yet to overcome to allow the full strength of MR-guided interventions to be realized clinically. It is anticipated that these topics will emerge as critical concepts in the next decade of interventional MR imaging research.

Algorithms↗

The equivalence between off-resonance and on-resonance pulse sequences and its application to steady-state free precession with diffusion in inhomogeneous fields.

We show that the spin dynamics of any pulse sequence with off-resonant pulses is identical to that of a modified sequence with on-resonant pulses, including relaxation and diffusion effects. This equivalence applies to pulse sequences with arbitrary offset frequency deltaomega(0) which may exceed the RF field strength omega(1). Using this approach, we examine steady-state free precession (SSFP) in grossly inhomogeneous fields. We show explicitly that the magnitude of the magnetization for each mode at an offset frequency deltaomega(0) is equal to that for SSFP with on-resonance pulses of rescaled amplitude, with the same dependence on relaxation times and diffusion coefficient. The rescaling depends on offset frequency and RF field strength. The theoretical results have been tested experimentally and excellent agreement is found.

Journal Article↗

[Possibilities in using a specific pulse sequence (interlocking sequence) to improve the specificity in NMR tomography].

Methods and possibilities of application of a doubled and interlaced pulse sequence ("interlaced sequence") are discussed. This makes it possible to perform contrast variations and pulse sequence variations subsequently, as well as to determine the parameters proton density, T1 and T2. The selectivity of the combination of all three parameters for tissue classification is demonstrated by means of an individual case and seems to promise a higher specificity of MR tomography.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Ultrafast pulse sequence techniques for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a rapidly emerging field that has seen tremendous advances in the past decade. Central to the development of effective imaging strategies has been the advent of high-performance gradient hardware and the exploitation of their speed characteristics through specialized pulse sequences well suited for cardiac imaging. These advances have facilitated unprecedented acquisition times that now approach echocardiographic frame rates, while maintaining excellent image quality. This article provides a detailed overview of advanced pulse sequence technology and approaches currently taken to maximize speed performance and image quality. In particular, segmented K-space techniques that include single-echo and multiecho spoiled gradient-echo imaging as well as steady-state free precession imaging are discussed. Finally, spiral and fast spin-echo techniques are explored. Examples of common applications of these pulse sequences are presented.

Echo-Planar Imaging↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the Achilles tendon using ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences.

AIM: To assess the potential value of imaging the Achilles tendon with ultrashort echo time (UTE) pulse sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four normal controls and four patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were examined in the sagittal and transverse planes. Three of the patients were examined before and after intravenous gadodiamide. RESULTS: The fascicular pattern was clearly demonstrated within the tendon and detail of the three distinct fibrocartilaginous components of an "enthesis organ" was well seen. T2* measurements showed two short T2* components. Increase in long T2 components with reduction in short T2 components was seen in tendinopathy. Contrast enhancement was much more extensive than with conventional sequences in two cases of tendinopathy but in a third case, there was a region of reduced enhancement. CONCLUSION: UTE pulse sequences provide anatomical detail not apparent with conventional sequences, demonstrate differences in T2* and show patterns of both increased and decreased enhancement in tendinopathy.

Achilles Tendon↗

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in focal lesions of the liver using cadence contrast pulse sequencing.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of Cadence Contrast Pulse Sequencing (Siemens-Acuson, CA) method with injection of SonoVue (Bracco Imaging SpA, Italy) for the detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions in comparison with a reference modality during routine use. METHODS: 138 consecutive patients (62 women, 76 men; mean age: 52 years for women and 63 years for men) corresponding to 144 examinations with 381 lesions participated in this prospective study from December 2002 to November 2003. Inclusion criteria were lesions detected by conventional US and the availability of a reference imaging examination (CT or MR imaging) within three weeks. The underlying liver lesions characterised by a reference modality (including biopsy in 29 lesions) were distributed as follows: haemangioma (n = 56), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 27), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 44), hepatocellular adenoma (n = 5), liver metastasis (n = 174), abscess (n = 2), cysts (n = 45), other benign lesions (n = 24) and 3 peritoneal metastases. RESULTS: A significant improvement was reported in the number of detected lesions between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and baseline ultrasonography (351 lesions versus 280 lesions, respectively, p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was noted between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and reference imaging (351 versus 377 lesions, respectively). On the whole, contrast-enhanced ultrasound allowed a complete diagnosis in 96 % of the detected nodules with a significant improvement compared to conventional sonography in which the diagnosis was suspected in only 52 % out of these cases (p < 0.001). No significant difference was noted between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the reference modality concerning characterisation of nodules. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly indicates that contrast-enhanced sonography using Sonovue and Cadence Contrast Pulse Sequencing allows real-time imaging with high accuracy and thus will be a competitive alternative to other modalities such as CT and MR imaging for liver imaging.

Adult↗

[MRI of the pancreas: value of standard versus fat-suppressed pulse sequence at 0.5 T].

PURPOSE: To compare five pulse sequences in 60 patients with pancreatic disease by means of MRI at 0.5 T. METHODS: T1 weighted Spin-Echo sequences (T1W SE) before and after i.v. contrast medium administration, fat-suppressed T1W SE sequences after i.v. contrast medium administration, T2 weighted Turbo-Spin-Echo sequences (T2W TSE), and fat-suppressed T2W TSE were evaluated within an ROC study. RESULTS: The standard sequences (T1W SE before and after i.v. contrast medium administration, T2W TSE) were superior to the fat-suppressed T1W and T2W (T)SE sequences in delineating the anatomy and for correct diagnosis. The T1W sequence with and without i.v. contrast media detected all anatomic structures best. In most instances the correct diagnosis and coexistent findings in the diseased pancreas were obtained with the T2W sequence. CONCLUSION: Fat-suppressed sequences are less useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease by MRI at medium field strength compared to the standard sequences.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Removal of the outer lines of the citrate multiplet in proton magnetic resonance spectra of the prostatic gland by accurate timing of a point-resolved spectroscopy pulse sequence.

Proton MR spectra of a healthy human prostatic gland show a major signal for citrate appearing as an AB-type multiplet. After application of multipulse localization sequences, the outer lines of this multiplet often appear with dispersion line shapes disturbing the baseline and interfering with proper quantification of citrate itself and other nearby resonances. Based upon analytical descriptions of the time evaluation of an AB spin system during a point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) pulse sequence (90x-tau 1-180y-tau 2-180y-t), equations were derived representing the intensity of the absorption and dispersion line shape of the outer lines of the citrate multiplet at the top of echo t = tau 2-tau 1. From these equations, it was calculated that the outer lines of citrate can be removed almost completely using a PRESS pulse sequence with tau 1 = 11 ms and tau 2 = 60 ms. The theoretical description was confirmed by the almost complete disappearance of the two outer citrate resonances in in vitro and in vivo proton MR spectra acquired with this pulse sequence timing.

Citric Acid↗