Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
High resolution MR imaging of pelvic lymph nodes at 7 Tesla
Bart W J Philips1, Ansje S Fortuin1, Stephan Orzada2
1Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (766), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Purpose:
Pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastases are often smaller than 5 mm and difficult to detect. This work presents a method to perform PLN imaging with ultrahigh-field MRI, using spectrally selective excitation to acquire water and lipid-selective imaging at high spatial resolution.
Methods:
A 3D water-selective multigradient echo (mGRE) sequence and lipid-selective gradient echo (GRE) sequence were tested in six healthy volunteers on a 7 Tesla (T) MRI system, using time interleaved acquisition of modes (TIAMO) to improve image homogeneity. The size distribution of the first 10 iliac PLNs detected in each volunteer was determined, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of these lymph nodes (LNs) was compared with the individual mGRE images, sum-of-squares echo addition, and computed T2*-weighted images derived from the T2* fits.
Results:
LN imaging was acquired robustly at ultrahigh field with high resolution and homogeneous lipid or water-selective contrast. PLNs down to 1.5-mm short axis were detected with mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) short and long axes of 2.2 ± 0.1 and 3.7 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Computed T2*-weighted imaging allowed flexibility in T2* contrast while featuring a CNR up to 90% of the sum-of-squares echo addition.
Conclusion:
Ultrahigh-field MRI in combination with TIAMO and frequency-selective excitation enables high-resolution, large field-of-view MRI of the lower abdomen, and may ultimately be suitable for detecting small PLN metastases. Magn Reson Med 78:1020-1028, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Insights
Ultrahigh-field MRI can now detect small pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) down to 1.5 mm. This advanced imaging technique, using spectrally selective excitation, offers high resolution for improved detection of potential PLN metastases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastases are often small (<5 mm) and challenging to detect using conventional imaging methods.
- Accurate detection of small PLNs is crucial for cancer staging and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an ultrahigh-field MRI method for high-resolution imaging of pelvic lymph nodes.
- To assess the capability of this method in detecting small lymph nodes, potentially indicative of metastases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 7 Tesla (T) MRI system with spectrally selective excitation for water and lipid-selective imaging.
- Employed a 3D water-selective multigradient echo (mGRE) and lipid-selective gradient echo (GRE) sequence with time interleaved acquisition of modes (TIAMO) for improved homogeneity.
- Analyzed the size distribution and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of detected iliac PLNs in healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Achieved robust, high-resolution PLN imaging at ultrahigh field with homogeneous lipid or water-selective contrast.
- Successfully detected PLNs as small as 1.5-mm short axis.
- Computed T2*-weighted imaging provided flexible contrast and a CNR up to 90% of sum-of-squares echo addition.
Conclusions:
- Ultrahigh-field MRI, combined with TIAMO and frequency-selective excitation, enables high-resolution, large field-of-view imaging of the lower abdomen.
- This technique shows promise for the detection of small pelvic lymph node metastases, improving diagnostic capabilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging