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Accelerated Nonenhanced 3D T1-MPRAGE Using Wave-Controlled Aliasing in Parallel Imaging for Infant Brain Imaging
1From the Department of Radiology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
Background And Purpose:
MPRAGE is the most commonly used sequence for high-resolution 3D T1-weighted imaging in pediatric patients. However, its longer scan time is a major drawback because pediatric patients are prone to motion and frequently require sedation. This study compared nonenhanced accelerated MPRAGE using wave-controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (wave-T1-MPRAGE) with standard MPRAGE in infants.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated 68 infants (mean age, 1.78 [SD. 1.70] months) who underwent nonenhanced standard and wave-T1-MPRAGE. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed each image for image quality, artifacts, myelination degree, and anatomic delineation using the 4-point Likert scale. For diagnostic performance, both observers determined whether nonenhancing lesions were present in the brain parenchyma in 2 types of nonenhanced MPRAGE sequences.
Results:
Wave-T1-MPRAGE showed a significantly lower mean score and lower interobserver agreement for overall image quality and anatomic delineation than standard MPRAGE (P< .001 for each). However, there were no significant differences between the 2 types of MPRAGE sequences for motion artifacts (P = .90 for observer 1, P = .14 for observer 2) and degree of myelination (P = .16 for observer 1, P = .32 for observer 2). Among the nonenhancing pathologic lesions observed on standard MPRAGE by both observers, only 2 were missed on wave-T1-MPRAGE, and they were very tiny, faint, nonhemorrhagic WM injuries.
Conclusions:
Although wave-T1-MPRAGE showed lower overall image quality than standard MPRAGE, the diagnostic performance for nonenhancing parenchymal lesions was comparable. Wave-T1-MPRAGE could be an alternative for diagnosing intracranial lesions in infants, with marked scan time reduction.
Insights
Accelerated wave-T1-MPRAGE offers reduced scan times for infant brain imaging. While image quality is lower than standard MPRAGE, its diagnostic performance for detecting lesions is comparable, making it a viable alternative.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- MPRAGE is standard for pediatric T1-weighted MRI but has long scan times.
- Longer scans increase motion artifacts and sedation needs in infants.
- Accelerated techniques aim to reduce scan time while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare nonenhanced accelerated wave-controlled aliasing in parallel imaging MPRAGE (wave-T1-MPRAGE) with standard MPRAGE in infants.
- Evaluate image quality, artifacts, myelination, and lesion detection.
- Assess the potential of wave-T1-MPRAGE as a faster alternative.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 68 infants (mean age 1.78 months).
- Independent assessment by two neuroradiologists using a 4-point Likert scale.
- Evaluation of image quality, artifacts, myelination, anatomic delineation, and nonenhancing lesions.
Main Results:
- Wave-T1-MPRAGE had lower image quality and interobserver agreement than standard MPRAGE (P < .001).
- No significant differences in motion artifacts or myelination assessment between sequences.
- Only 2 tiny WM lesions were missed by wave-T1-MPRAGE compared to standard MPRAGE.
Conclusions:
- Wave-T1-MPRAGE demonstrates lower image quality but comparable diagnostic performance for nonenhancing lesions.
- The reduced scan time makes wave-T1-MPRAGE a potential alternative for infant brain imaging.
- This accelerated sequence aids in diagnosing intracranial lesions in infants more efficiently.
