FID-calibrated simultaneous multi-slice fast spin echo with long trains of hard pulses

Objective: To develop a novel, free-induction-decay (FID)-calibrated single-shot simultaneous multi-slice fast spin echo (SMS-FSE) with very long hard pulse trains for high encoding efficiency and low energy deposition. Approach: The proposed single-shot SMS-FSE employs a mixed pulse configuration in which a long excitation pulse that is spatially multi-band (MB) selective is used in conjunction with short spatially nonselective refocusing pulses. To alleviate energy deposition to tissues while reducing signal modulation along the echo train, variable low flip angles with signal prescription are utilized in the refocusing pulse train. A time-efficient FID-calibration and correction method is introduced before aliased voxels in the slice direction are resolved. Simulations and experiments are performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method as an alternative to conventional HASTE for generating T2-weighted images. Main results: Compared with conventional HASTE, the proposed method enhances imaging speed effectively by an MB factor up to 5 without apparent loss of image contrast while successfully eliminating FID artifacts. Significance: We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method as an encoding- and energy-efficient alternative to conventional HASTE for generation of T2-weighted contrast.

Performance of PROPELLER FSE T2WI in Reducing Metal Artifacts for Patients with Various Material Porcelain Fused To Metal Crown: A Preliminary Study

This study aimed to compare MRI quality between common fast spin echo T2 weighted imaging (FSE T2WI) with periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) FSE T2WI for patients with various porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown and analyze the value of PROPELLER technique in reducing metal artifacts. Common FSE T2WI and PROPELLER FSE T2WI sequences for axial imaging of head were applied in participants with different PFM crowns: cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy, pure titanium (Ti), gold-palladium (Au-Pd) alloy. Two radiologists evaluated overall image quality of section in PFM using a 5-point scale qualitatively and measured the maximum artifact area and artifact signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) quantitatively. The metal crown with the least artifacts and the optimum image quality shown in common FSE T2WI and PROPELLER FSE T2WI were in Au–Pd alloy, Ti, and Co–Cr alloy order. PROPELLER FSE T2WI was superior to common FSE T2WI in improving image quality and reducing artifact area for Co-Cr alloy (17.0±0.2% smaller artifact area, p＜0.001) and Ti (11.6± 0.7 % smaller artifact area, p=0.005), but had similar performance compared to FSE T2WI for Au-Pd alloy. For all PFMs, PROPELLER FSE T2WI significantly reduced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of artifact (393.57±89.75 VS. 214.05±70.45, p < 0.001) when compared to common FSE T2WI.Therefore, the different PFM crown generate varying degrees of metal artifacts in MRI, and the PROPELLER can effectively reduce metal artifacts especially in the PFM crown of Co-Cr alloy.

Pituitary MRI standard and advanced sequences: role in the diagnosis and characterization of pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) represent the most frequently found lesions in the sellar region; however, several other lesions may be encountered in this region, such as meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas and aneurysms. High-quality imaging is fundamental for diagnosis, characterization and guidance of treatment planning of PAs. Sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of lesions in the sella turcica. The sellar MRI standard protocol includes coronal and sagittal T1-weighted (T1w) spin-echo sequencing with and without gadolinium-based contrast agent and coronal T2-weighted (T2w) fast-spin echo sequencing. A systematic MRI approach to the pituitary region generally provides information that includes the size and shape of the PA, the presence of cysts or hemorrhage within the tumor, its relationship with the optic pathways and surrounding structures, potential cavernous sinus invasion, sphenoid sinus pneumatization type, and differential diagnosis with other sellar lesions. The standard protocol is sufficient for the evaluation of most cases; however, some advanced techniques (susceptibility imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, 3D T2w high-resolution sequences, magnetic resonance elastography, perfusion-weighted imaging) may render additional information, which may be important for some cases. In this “Approach to the Patient” manuscript we will discuss the use of standard and advanced MRI sequences in the diagnosis and characterization of PAs, including MRI features associated with treatment response that may aid in presurgical evaluation and planning, and red flags that may point to an alternative diagnosis.

Three-dimensional SPACE MR with CAIPIRINHA fourfold acceleration for assessing long head of biceps tendon

Background Data regarding controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) T2-weighted sampling perfection with application optimized contrast evolution (SPACE) with fourfold acceleration factor for assessing long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) disorder is lacking. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE with fourfold acceleration in assessing LHBT disorder. Material and Methods A total of 42 consecutive patients underwent shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) examinations including CAIPIRINHA SPACE with fourfold acceleration, and non-CAIPIRINHA SPACE with twofold acceleration, and 2D fast spin echo (FSE). A subjective score of depiction of LHBT was given to 3D sequence according to a 4-point scale (0–3, “poor” to “excellent”). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare depiction scores between 3D sequences. Three statuses of LHBT were defined in the study: normal, tendonitis, and tear. McNemar’s test was used compare diagnostic accuracy. Results LHBT was better depicted with CAIPIRINHA SPACE versus non-CAIPIRINHA SPACE (2.1 ± 0.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4; P < 0.001). Inter-modality agreement between CAIPIRINHA SPACE and 2D FSE was almost perfect (kappa = 0.884 ± 0.064). The sensitivity and specificity in detecting LHBT disorder were 95% (20/21) and 95% (20/21), respectively, for CAIPIRINHA SPACE, and 71% (15/21) and 76% (16/21), respectively, for non-CAIPIRINHA SPACE ( P = 0.039). Conclusion Fourfold acceleration CAIPIRINHA is feasible in reducing the acquisition time of SPACE MR in the shoulder. 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE with fourfold acceleration is highly accurate in detecting LHBT disorder.