Dynamic MRI of the vocal cords using phased-array coils: A feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Otolaryngology
• Neurology

Background:

• Endoscopic evaluation of hoarseness is invasive and patient cooperation dependent.
• Laryngoscopy can be challenging due to anatomical factors, patient condition, or coagulopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of ultra-fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting vocal cord motility disorders.
• To evaluate a dedicated coil design and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) sequence for vocal cord motion assessment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included 12 patients with persistent hoarseness and suspected vocal cord palsy.
• Two-element phased-array carotid coils and real-time steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences were used.
• MRI findings were compared with endoscopic examination results.

Main Results:

• The entire MRI examination, including setup and scanning, took less than 10 minutes.
• MRI correctly identified seven patients with confirmed unilateral vocal cord palsy.
• The remaining five patients with hoarseness from other causes showed normal vocal cord motion on MRI.

Conclusions:

• The study achieved excellent image quality with high SNR using carotid phased-array coils and SSFP sequences.
• Ultra-fast MRI may serve as a non-invasive alternative to endoscopy for selected hoarseness cases.
• Further research with larger patient cohorts is needed to confirm its clinical utility.