Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Advanced Diffusion Imaging in The Hippocampus of Rats with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 14, 2019
Fairly direct hit! Advances in imaging of shotgun projectiles in MRI
Sebastian Eggert1, Rahel A Kubik-Huch, Markus Klarhöfer
1Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital Baden AG, Im Ergel, 5404, Baden, Switzerland, sebastian.eggert@irm.uzh.ch.
Objectives:
To investigate the magnetic properties of different types of projectiles and qualify the metal artefact reduction technique for diagnostic and/or forensic MRI.
Materials And Methods:
Ten different projectiles embedded in ordnance gelatine blocks underwent an in vitro 1.5-T MR study with seven sequences including a recently developed metal artefact reduction sequence (Advanced WARP) combining VAT (view-angle-tilting) and SEMAC (slice-encoding metal-artefact-correction). Resulting image quality (five-point scale: 1=best; 5=worst) was scored. Quantifiable magnetic characteristics were correlated with qualitative rating of the MR sequences and torque dislodgment.
Results:
Metal artefact reduction sequence (median: 2.5) significantly (p < 0.001) improves depiction of projectiles in comparison to all other MR pulse sequences (median: 4.75). Images from diamagnetic composed bullets (median: 2) are much less disturbed compared to magnetic attracted ones (median: 5). Correlation (0.623) between deflection angle measurement (ferromagnetic mean 84.2°; paramagnetic 62°; diamagnetic mean 0°) and median qualitative image quality was highly significant (p = 0.027). Torque dislodgement was distinct for elongated magnetic attracted projectiles.
Conclusions:
Significant improvement of MR imaging of projectiles using metal artefact reduction techniques has important implications for diagnostic/forensic work-up. The correlations between magnetic attraction force, deflection-angle results and image properties demonstrate that the MR safety of projectiles can be estimated with one of these methods.
Key Points:
• Metal artefact reduction sequence improves overall image quality of bullets (p < 0.001). • Deflection angle assessment significantly predicts image quality of bullets (p = 0.027). • Classification of projectiles' magnetic properties based on artefacts' characteristics is possible. • Classifying of bullets has important implications in diagnostic and forensic imaging. • Identification of projectiles' magnetic attributes improves estimation of patients' injury risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...