Techniques of non-orthogonal magnetic resonance imaging and its clinical application

A technique to obtain non-orthogonal magnetic resonance (MR) images in the body has been developed using a simple three-dimensional model (3-DM). Images were obtained with multiple non-orthogonal planes, without subjecting patients to uncomfortable oblique positions. Eighty-two patients were studied using non-orthogonal planes. Euler angle determinations (EAD) were developed for different anatomical locations as well as for multiple clinical situations. One or all three Euler angles were changed using the EAD to define any plane of orientation relative to reference orthogonal frame. In a series of 12 patients for postoperative evaluation of Mustard and Senning procedure, the demonstration of anastomotic site was superior with angled coronal planes when compared to the routine coronal views in 83% of the studies. With the use of EAD, acquisition time for non-orthogonal planes can be reduced. 3-DM aids in the understanding of the Euler angles and leads to multiple non-orthogonal planes.