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[MR imaging of intracerebral hematomas: sequential changes of signal intensities on a 0.2T permanent magnetic system]
S Okada1, M Kawakatsu, H Suzuki
1Department of Radiology, Nippon Medical School First Hospital.
Abstract:
We performed 67 examinations in 27 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage on a 0.2T permanent magnet system. MR appearance of the hematomas on T-1 weighted and T-2 weighted images (T1WIs, T2WIs) was carefully evaluated according to the chronological course of the lesions after the ictus. The signal intensity of each hematoma was classified into four stages in terms of the degradation process of hemoglobin. Four hematomas examined within 24 hours after the ictus (ultra-acute stage) appeared slightly hypointense or isointense relative to the normal brain tissue on T1WIs and markedly hyperintense on T2WIs. Three of those lesions became partially or totally hypointense on T2WIs at the acute stage (one to three days after the ictus), though all appeared in general isointense on T1WIs. The hematomas at the subacute stage (four days to two weeks after the ictus) were hyperintense on both T1WIs and T2WIs. At the chronic stage (more than two weeks after the ictus) the signal pattern of hematomas became variable: hyperintense on both T1WIs and T2WIs early at this stage; hypointense on T1WIs but mostly hyperintense on T2WIs latter. The results indicate the clinical feasibility of a low tesla system for MR evaluation of intracerebral hematomas.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of intracerebral hemorrhage is feasible using low-field 0.2T systems. This study details the chronological MR signal changes of hematomas, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Medical Imaging Physics
Context:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) diagnosis and monitoring are critical.
- Conventional MRI systems are often high-field strength, limiting accessibility.
- Low-field MRI offers a potential alternative for resource-limited settings.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical feasibility of a 0.2T permanent magnet system for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of intracerebral hematomas.
- To characterize the chronological changes in MRI signal intensity of hematomas on T1-weighted images (T1WIs) and T2-weighted images (T2WIs).
Summary:
- Sixty-seven examinations in 27 patients with ICH were performed on a 0.2T MRI system.
- Hematoma signal intensity was analyzed across four chronological stages (ultra-acute, acute, subacute, chronic) based on hemoglobin degradation.
- Distinct signal patterns were observed: ultra-acute (hypointense/isointense T1WIs, hyperintense T2WIs), acute (isointense T1WIs, variable T2WIs), subacute (hyperintense T1WIs, hyperintense T2WIs), and chronic (variable T1WIs, mostly hyperintense T2WIs).
Impact:
- Demonstrates the clinical utility of low-field MRI for evaluating intracerebral hematomas.
- Provides a reference for interpreting MRI findings of ICH across different time points post-ictus.
- Suggests low-field MRI as a viable option for accessible neuroimaging in ICH cases.