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Putaminal magnetic resonance imaging features at various magnetic field strengths in multiple system atrophy
Hirohisa Watanabe1, Mizuki Ito, Hiroshi Fukatsu
1Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
We delineated the effects of magnetic field strength on signal intensities to facilitate the specific findings of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Fifteen patients with probable MSA were imaged by 0.35T fast spin-echo (FSE), 1.5T FSE, and 3.0T FSE using a consistent protocol, testing all field strengths on the same day. Sixty patients with probable Parkinson's disease (PD) also underwent imaging. Moderate or marked hyperintensity at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin, hyperintensity of the putaminal body, hypointensity relative to the globus pallidus at the dorsolateral putaminal margin, and infratentorial signal changes were evaluated as specific findings for MSA. As the field strength increased, the occurrence of hyperintensity both at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin and of the putaminal body decreased, while the occurrence of hypointensity at the dorsolateral putaminal margin increased in MSA. The occurrence of uniform mild hyperintensity of the outer putaminal margin was evident in 7% at 0.35T, 40% at 1.5T, and 47% at 3.0T in MSA and in 5% at 0.35T, 60% at 1.5T, and 75% at 3.0T in PD. However, no PD patients showed hyperintensity at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin and that of the putaminal body. Putaminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in MSA were altered considerably by magnetic field strength. The severity and distribution of signal changes are important for assessing putaminal MRI findings in MSA.
Insights
Magnetic field strength significantly impacts magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for multiple system atrophy (MSA). Higher field strengths alter putaminal signal intensities, crucial for accurate MSA diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) diagnosis relies on specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
- Understanding how magnetic field strength affects MRI signal intensities is crucial for accurate MSA detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of varying magnetic field strengths (0.35T, 1.5T, 3.0T) on MRI signal intensities in patients with probable MSA.
- To identify specific MRI markers for MSA that are sensitive to magnetic field strength variations.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen patients with probable MSA and sixty with probable Parkinson's disease (PD) underwent MRI at 0.35T, 1.5T, and 3.0T using a consistent fast spin-echo (FSE) protocol.
- Evaluated signal intensities at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin, putaminal body, and infratentorial regions for MSA-specific findings.
- Compared findings across different magnetic field strengths.
Main Results:
- Increased magnetic field strength decreased hyperintensity in the MSA putamen but increased hypointensity at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin.
- Uniform mild hyperintensity of the outer putaminal margin increased with field strength in both MSA and PD patients.
- No PD patients exhibited hyperintensity at the dorsolateral outer putaminal margin or putaminal body, distinguishing them from MSA.
Conclusions:
- Putaminal MRI findings in MSA are significantly influenced by magnetic field strength.
- Severity and distribution of signal changes are critical for assessing putaminal MRI findings in MSA.
- Optimizing MRI protocols based on field strength is essential for reliable MSA diagnosis.
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