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Tokeshi S, Eguchi Y, Sakai T, Yoneyama M, Watanabe A, Aoki Y, Sato M, Orita S, Suzuki M, Inage K, Shiga Y, Inoue M, Toshi N, Okuyama K, Ohyama S, Suzuki N, Maki S, Nakamura J, Hagiwara S, Kawarai Y, Akazawa T, Takahashi H, Ohtori S. A novel simultaneous three-dimensional volumetric morphological imaging and T2-mapping method, multi-interleaved X-prepared turbo-spin echo with intuitive relaxometry provides more accurate quantification of cervical spinal nerves. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 125:97-103. [PMID: 38761535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE MIXTURE is a simultaneous morphological and quantitative imaging sequence developed by Philips that provides high-resolution T2 maps from the imaged series. We aimed to compare the T2 maps of MIXTURE and SHINKEI-Quant (S-Q) in the cervical spine and to examine their usefulness in the functional diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. METHODS Seven healthy male volunteers (mean age: 31 ± 8.0 years) and one patient with cervical disc herniation (44 years old, male) underwent cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and T2-mapping of each was performed simultaneously using MIXTURE and S-Q in consecutive sequences in one imaging session. The standard deviation (SD) of the T2 relaxation times and T2 relaxation times of the bilateral C6 and C7 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and C5/6 level cervical cord on the same slice in the 3D T2-map of the cervical spine coronal section were measured and compared between MIXTURE and S-Q. RESULTS T2 relaxation times were significantly shorter in MIXTURE than in S-Q for all C6, C7 DRG, and C5/6 spinal cord measurements. The SD values of the T2 relaxation times were significantly lower for MIXTURE in the C5/6 spinal cord and C7 DRG. In cervical disc herniation, MRI showed multiple intervertebral compression lesions with spinal canal stenosis at C5/6 and disc herniation at C6/7. CONCLUSION MIXTURE is useful for preoperative functional diagnosis. T2-mapping using MIXTURE can quantify cervical nerve roots more accurately than the S-Q method and is expected to be clinically applicable to cervical radiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Tokeshi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Yawara Eguchi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shimoshizu National Hospital, 934-5, Shikawatashi, Yotsukaido, Chiba 284-0003, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Sakai
- Department of Radiology, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba 283-8686, Japan
| | - Masami Yoneyama
- MR Clinical Science, Philips Japan, 2-13-37 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8507, Japan
| | - Atsuya Watanabe
- Tsuga Orthopeadic Rehabilitation Clinic, 3-16-13 Tsuga Wakaba-ku, Chiba 264-0025, Japan.
| | - Yasuchika Aoki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba 283-8686, Japan.
| | - Masashi Sato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eastern Chiba Medical Center, 3-6-2 Okayamadai, Togane, Chiba 283-8686, Japan
| | - Sumihisa Orita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Miyako Suzuki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Kazuhide Inage
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Shiga
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Noriyasu Toshi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuhei Ohyama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Noritaka Suzuki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Maki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junichi Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Shigeo Hagiwara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Yuya Kawarai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Akazawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Seiji Ohtori
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
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Nevalainen MT, Vähä J, Räsänen L, Bode MK. Diagnostic utility of 3D MRI sequences in the assessment of central, recess and foraminal stenoses of the spine: a systematic review. Skeletal Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00256-024-04689-1. [PMID: 38676747 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-024-04689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic literature review on the diagnostic utility of 3D MRI sequences in the assessment of central canal, recess and foraminal stenosis in the spine. METHODS The databases PubMed, MEDLINE (via OVID) and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for studies that investigated the diagnostic use of 3D MRI to evaluate stenoses in various parts of the spine in humans. Three reviewers examined the literature and conducted systematic review according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. RESULTS Thirty studies were retrieved from 2 595 publications for this systematic review. The overall diagnostic performance of 3D MRI outperformed the conventional 2D MRI with reported sensitivities ranging from 79 to 100% and specificities ranging from 86 to 100% regarding the evaluation of central, recess and foraminal stenoses. In general, high level of agreement (both intra- and interrater) regarding visibility and pathology on 3D sequences was reported. Studies show that well-optimized 3D sequences allow the use of higher spatial resolution, similar scan time and increased SNR and CNR when compared to corresponding 2D sequences. However, the benefit of 3D sequences is in the additional information provided by them and in the possibility to save total protocol scan times. CONCLUSION The literature on the spine 3D MRI assessment of stenoses is heterogeneous with varying MRI protocols and diagnostic results. However, the 3D sequences offer similar or superior detection of stenoses with high reliability. Especially, the advantage of 3D MRI seems to be the better evaluation of recess stenoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika T Nevalainen
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, POB 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, 90029, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Juho Vähä
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, POB 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lasse Räsänen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, 90029, Oulu, Finland
| | - Michaela K Bode
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, POB 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, 90029, Oulu, Finland
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Hong JJ, Kim S, Lee GY, Chung BM. Demonstration of transverse ligament on 3D SPACE MRI in whiplash-associated disorder and nontraumatic conditions. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1171-1178. [PMID: 38141107 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08079-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to delineate the three-dimensional (3D) SPACE MRI findings of the transverse ligament (TL) in whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) patients, and to compare them with those from a nontraumatic group. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on cervical spine MRI scans obtained from 46 patients with WAD and 62 nontraumatic individuals. Clinical features, including the WAD grade and stage, were recorded. The TL's morphological grade and the symmetricity of the lateral atlantodental interval was assessed using axial 3D T2-SPACE images. The morphological grading was evaluated using a four-point scale: 0 = homogeneously low signal intensity with normal thickness, 1 = high signal intensity with normal thickness, 2 = reduced thickness, 3 = full-thickness rupture or indistinguishable from surrounding structures. Additionally, the number of cervical levels exhibiting degeneration was documented. RESULTS When comparing the WAD and nontraumatic groups, a significant difference was observed in the proportion of high-grade TL changes (grade 2 or 3) and the number of degenerated cervical levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high-grade TL changes and a lower number of degenerative levels independently predicted the presence of WAD. Within the WAD group, the subset of patients with high-grade TL changes demonstrated a significantly higher mean age than the low-grade group (grade 0 or 1). CONCLUSION High-grade morphological changes in the TL can be detected in patients with WAD through the use of 3D SPACE sequences. Clinical relevance statement 3D SPACE MRI could serve as an instrumental tool in the assessment of TL among patients with WAD. Integrating MRI findings with patient history and symptomology could facilitate the identification of potential ligament damage, and may help treatment and follow-up planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Joo Hong
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Guen Young Lee
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, 110, Deokan‑ro, Gwangmyeong‑si, Gyeonggi‑do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Mi Chung
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 156-755, Republic of Korea.
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Felisaz PF, Napolitano A, Terrani S, Parisi C, Toto-Brocchi M, Cè M, Alessandrino F, Oliva G, Cellina M, Gerevini S. An optimized 1.5 Tesla MRI protocol of the brachial plexus. Neuroradiol J 2024; 37:43-53. [PMID: 37621183 PMCID: PMC10863567 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231196475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Creating an effective MRI protocol for examining the brachial plexus poses significant challenges, and despite the abundance of protocols in the literature, there is a lack of reference standards for basic sequences and essential parameters needed for replication. The aim of this study is to establish a reproducible 1.5 T brachial plexus imaging protocol, including patient positioning, coil selection, imaging planes, and essential sequence parameters. METHODS We systematically investigated MRI sequences, testing each parameter through in vivo experiments, examining their effects on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), visual quality scores, and acquisition time. Sequences were refined based on optimal quality and timing scores. The final protocol was tested on scanners from two other vendors for reliability. RESULTS The final protocol included a combination of 2D turbo-spin-echo and 3D SPACE T1, SPACE STIR, and VIBE DIXON sequences. Recommendations for imaging planes, phase encoding, field of view, TR, TE, resolution, number of slices, slice thickness, fat and blood suppression, and acceleration strategies are provided. The protocol was successfully translated to other vendor's scanners with comparable quality. CONCLUSION We present an optimized protocol detailing the essential parameters for reproducibility. Our comprehensive list of experiments describes the impact of each parameter on image quality and scan time, addressing common artifacts and potential solutions. This protocol can benefit both young radiologists new to the field and experienced professionals seeking to refine their existing protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Toto-Brocchi
- Postgraduate School in Radiodiagnostics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cè
- Postgraduate School in Radiodiagnostics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandrino
- Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Giancarlo Oliva
- Radiology Department, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli e Oftalmico, Milano, Italy
| | - Michaela Cellina
- Radiology Department, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli e Oftalmico, Milano, Italy
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Abel F, Tan ET, Lunenburg M, van Leeuwen C, van Hooren T, van Uden M, Arteaga C, Vincent J, Robb F, Sneag DB. Flexible array coil for cervical and extraspinal (FACE) MRI at 3.0 Tesla. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:215011. [PMID: 37816375 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective.High-resolution MRI of the cervical spine (c-spine) and extraspinal neck region requires close-fitting receiver coils to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conventional, rigid C-spine receiver coils do not adequately contour to the neck to accommodate varying body shapes, resulting in suboptimal SNR. Recent innovations in flexible surface coil array designs may provide three-dimensional (3D) bendability and conformability to optimize SNR, while improving capabilities for higher acceleration factors.Approach.This work describes the design, implementation, and preliminaryin vivotesting of a novel, conformal 23-channel receive-only flexible array for cervical and extraspinal (FACE) MRI at 3-Tesla (T), with use of high-impedance elements to enhance the coil's flexibility. Coil performance was tested by assessing SNR and geometry factors (g-factors) in a phantom compared to a conventional 21-channel head-neck-unit (HNU).In vivoimaging was performed in healthy human volunteers and patients using high-resolution c-spine and neck MRI protocols at 3T, including MR neurography (MRN).Main results.Mean SNR with the FACE was 141%-161% higher at left, right, and posterior off-isocenter positions and 4% higher at the isocenter of the phantom compared to the HNU. Parallel imaging performance was comparable for an acceleration factor (R) = 2 × 2 between the two coils, but improved forR= 3 × 3 with meang-factors ranging from 1.46-2.15 with the FACE compared to 2.36-3.62 obtained with the HNU. Preliminary human volunteer and patient testing confirmed that equivalent or superior image quality could be obtained for evaluation of osseous and soft tissue structures of the cervical region with the FACE.Significance.A conformal and highly flexible cervical array with high-impedance coil elements can potentially enable higher-resolution imaging for cervical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Abel
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
| | - Ek T Tan
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
| | - Martijn Lunenburg
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Carel van Leeuwen
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van Hooren
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van Uden
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Catalina Arteaga
- Tesla Dynamic Coils, Schimminck 12, 5301 Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Vincent
- GE HealthCare, 1515 Danner Dr, 44202 Aurora, OH, United States of America
| | - Fraser Robb
- GE HealthCare, 1515 Danner Dr, 44202 Aurora, OH, United States of America
| | - Darryl B Sneag
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, United States of America
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Jardon M, Tan ET, Chazen JL, Sahr M, Wen Y, Schneider B, Sneag DB. Deep-learning-reconstructed high-resolution 3D cervical spine MRI for foraminal stenosis evaluation. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52:725-732. [PMID: 36269331 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-022-04211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare standard-of-care two-dimensional MRI acquisitions of the cervical spine with those from a single three-dimensional MRI acquisition, reconstructed using a deep-learning-based reconstruction algorithm. We hypothesized that the improved image quality provided by deep-learning-based reconstruction would result in improved inter-rater agreement for cervical spine foraminal stenosis compared to conventional two-dimensional acquisitions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one patients underwent routine cervical spine MRI with a conventional protocol comprising two-dimensional T2-weighted fast spin echo scans (2 axial planes, 1 sagittal plane), and an isotropic-resolution three-dimensional T2-weighted fast spin echo scan reconstructed over a 4-h time window with a deep-learning-based reconstruction algorithm. Three radiologists retrospectively assessed images for the degree to which motion artifact limited clinical assessment, and foraminal and central stenosis at each level. Inter-rater agreement was analyzed with weighted Fleiss's kappa (k) and comparisons between two-dimensional and three-dimensional sequences were performed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Inter-rater agreement for foraminal stenosis was "substantial" for two-dimensional sequences (k = 0.76) and "excellent" for the three-dimensional sequence (k = 0.81). Agreement was "excellent" for both sequences (k = 0.85 and 0.83) for central stenosis. The three-dimensional sequence had less perceptible motion artifact (p ≤ 0.001-0.036). Mean total scan time was 10.8 min for the two-dimensional sequences, and 7.3 min for the three-dimensional sequence. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional MRI reconstructed with a deep-learning-based algorithm provided "excellent" inter-observer agreement for foraminal and central stenosis, which was at least equivalent to standard-of-care two-dimensional imaging. Three-dimensional MRI with deep-learning-based reconstruction was less prone to motion artifact, with overall scan time savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Jardon
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Ek T Tan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - J Levi Chazen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Meghan Sahr
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Yan Wen
- GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA
| | - Brandon Schneider
- Biostatistics Core, Research Administration, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Darryl B Sneag
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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