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Clinical Experience of 1-Minute Brain MRI Using a Multicontrast EPI Sequence in a Different Scan Environment
K H Ryu1, H J Baek2,3, S Skare4,5
1From the Department of Radiology (K.H.R., H.J.B., J.I.M., B.H.C., S.E.P., J.Y.H., T.B.K.), Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Republic of Korea.
Background And Purpose:
The long scan time of MR imaging is a major drawback limiting its clinical use in neuroimaging; therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of a 1-minute full-brain MR imaging using a multicontrast EPI sequence on a different MR imaging scanner than the ones previously reported.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 146 patients who underwent a multicontrast EPI sequence, including T1-FLAIR, T2-FLAIR, T2WI, DWI, and T2*WI sequences. Two attending neuroradiologists assessed the image quality of each sequence to compare the multicontrast EPI sequence with routine MR imaging protocols. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar test to compare the 2 MR imaging protocols.
Results:
The multicontrast EPI sequence generally showed sufficient image quality of >2 points using a 4-point assessment scale. Regarding image quality and susceptibility artifacts, there was no significant difference between the multicontrast EPI sequence DWI and routine DWI (P > .05), attesting to noninferiority of the multicontrast EPI, whereas there were significant differences in the other 4 sequences between the 2 MR imaging protocols.
Conclusions:
The multicontrast EPI sequence showed sufficient image quality for clinical use with a shorter scan time; however, it was limited by inferior image quality and frequent susceptibility artifacts compared with routine brain MR imaging. Therefore, the multicontrast EPI sequence cannot completely replace the routine MR imaging protocol at present; however, it may be a feasible option in specific clinical situations such as screening, time-critical diseases or for use with patients prone to motion.
Insights
This study explored a 1-minute brain MRI using a multicontrast EPI sequence. While feasible for specific uses, it doesn't fully replace routine MRI due to image quality limitations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Long scan times limit clinical neuroimaging with MRI.
- Rapid MRI acquisition is crucial for broader applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical feasibility of a 1-minute full-brain MRI using a multicontrast Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequence.
- To compare the image quality and artifacts of this rapid sequence against routine MRI protocols.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 146 patients undergoing multicontrast EPI sequences (T1-FLAIR, T2-FLAIR, T2WI, DWI, T2*WI).
- Image quality and artifact assessment by two neuroradiologists.
- Statistical comparison using Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests.
Main Results:
- The 1-minute EPI sequence generally achieved sufficient image quality ( >2/4 points).
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) showed non-inferiority in image quality and artifacts compared to routine DWI (P > .05).
- Significant differences in image quality were observed for the other four sequences compared to routine protocols.
Conclusions:
- The 1-minute EPI sequence offers a shorter scan time and sufficient image quality for specific clinical scenarios.
- It cannot entirely substitute routine MRI protocols due to limitations in image quality and susceptibility artifacts.
- Potential applications include screening, time-critical conditions, and imaging patients with motion intolerance.
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