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Comparison of 3T and 7T MRI for the visualization of globus pallidus sub-segments
Shuki Maruyama1,2, Masaki Fukunaga1,2, Hans-Peter Fautz3
1Department of System Neuroscience, Division of Cerebral Integration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
Abstract:
The success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the internal globus pallidus (GPi) depends on the accuracy of electrode localization inside the GPi. In this study, we sought to compare visualization of the medial medullary lamina (MML) and accessory medullary lamina (AML) between proton density-weighted (PDW) and T2-weighted (T2W) sequences on 3T and 7T MRI scanners. Eleven healthy participants (five men and six women; age, 19-28 years; mean, 21.5) and one 61-year-old man were scanned using two-dimensional turbo spin-echo PDW and T2W sequences on 3T and 7T MRI scanners with a 32-channel receiver head coil and a single-channel transmission coil. Profiles of signal intensity were obtained from the pixel values of straight lines over the GP regions crossing the MML and AML. Contrast ratios (CRs) for GPe/MML, GPie/MML, GPie/AML, and GPii/AML were calculated. Qualitatively, 7T visualized both the MML and AML, whereas 3T visualized the MML less clearly and hardly depicted the AML. The T2W sequence at 7T yielded significantly higher CRs for GPie/MML, GPie/AML, and GPii/AML than the PDW sequence at 7T or 3T. The T2W sequence at 7T allows visualization of the internal structures of GPi segments with high signal intensity and contrast.
Insights
High-field 7T MRI with T2-weighted sequences offers superior visualization of internal globus pallidus (GPi) structures, including the medial medullary lamina (MML) and accessory medullary lamina (AML), crucial for accurate deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Accurate electrode placement in the internal globus pallidus (GPi) is critical for successful deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- Visualizing specific internal structures like the medial medullary lamina (MML) and accessory medullary lamina (AML) aids in precise targeting.
- Comparing different MRI sequences and field strengths is essential for optimizing visualization techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the visualization of the MML and AML in the GPi using proton density-weighted (PDW) and T2-weighted (T2W) MRI sequences.
- To evaluate the performance of these sequences on both 3T and 7T MRI scanners.
- To determine the optimal MRI parameters for enhanced GPi structure visualization for DBS surgery.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy participants and one older male underwent MRI scans on 3T and 7T scanners.
- Two-dimensional turbo spin-echo PDW and T2W sequences were utilized.
- Signal intensity profiles and contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated across the GPi, MML, and AML.
Main Results:
- 7T MRI clearly visualized both MML and AML, while 3T MRI showed less distinct MML and poor AML depiction.
- The T2W sequence at 7T significantly improved CRs for GPie/MML, GPie/AML, and GPii/AML compared to PDW sequences at 7T or 3T.
- 7T T2W sequences provided high signal intensity and contrast for internal GPi structures.
Conclusions:
- 7T MRI, particularly with T2W sequences, significantly enhances the visualization of MML and AML within the GPi.
- This improved visualization is crucial for increasing the accuracy of electrode placement in DBS procedures.
- T2W sequences at 7T MRI represent a valuable tool for neurosurgeons targeting the GPi.
