Dynamic 3D MRI for vocal fold oscillation measurements

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Laryngology

Background:

• Human voice production relies on rapid vocal fold (VF) oscillations.
• Current diagnostic methods like endoscopy offer limited 3D structural information of VFs.
• Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides 3D data but lacks the temporal resolution for dynamic VF analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel MRI method for high-temporal-resolution, 3D visualization of vocal fold oscillations.
• To enable non-invasive assessment of VF dynamics for improved diagnostics and research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized zero echo time (ZTE)-MRI to capture rapid VF oscillations.
• Integrated projection navigators for laryngeal motion compensation.
• Performed simultaneous voice recordings to correlate with imaging data.

Main Results:

• Achieved a temporal resolution of 819μs and spatial resolution of 0.77 mm.
• Enabled the first dynamic, 3D visualization of vocal fold oscillations.
• Quantified key parameters like vertical displacement (1.2 mm) and contact area changes (25.9 mm²).

Conclusions:

• The proposed ZTE-MRI technique provides unprecedented dynamic 3D insights into vocal fold function.
• This non-invasive approach can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for vocal fold diseases.
• Facilitates advanced research in voice production mechanisms and biomechanics.