Related Experiment Videos
Phased-array surface coil MR of the orbits and optic nerves
J Breslau1, R W Dalley, J S Tsuruda
1Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Sciences Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Phased-array surface coils offer improved signal-to-noise ratio for high-resolution imaging of the anterior optic pathway. This technique enhances the evaluation of optic pathway abnormalities compared to conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- The anterior optic apparatus requires high-resolution imaging for accurate diagnosis.
- Conventional imaging techniques may have limitations in evaluating the entire optic pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a practical, high-resolution imaging technique for the anterior optic apparatus using phased-array surface coils.
- To assess the efficacy of this system in patients with suspected optic pathway abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a four-element phased-array coil pair placed bilaterally.
- Conducted signal-to-noise ratio measurements using a head phantom, comparing phased-array, quadrature, and surface coils.
- Acquired T1 spin-echo and T2 fast spin-echo sequences in oblique axial and sagittal planes.
Main Results:
- Phased-array system demonstrated at least a 30% improvement in signal-to-noise ratio at key optic pathway locations (optic nerve head, canal, chiasm).
- Evaluated 24 patients with various suspected optic pathway lesions, including trauma, neoplasms, and optic neuritis.
- Identified unexpected diagnoses of optic pathway contusion or infarction in 3 patients.
Conclusions:
- Phased-array surface coils enable rapid, thin-section imaging of the anterior optic pathway.
- The improved signal-to-noise ratio enhances the evaluation of optic pathway lesions.
- This technique shows promise for improving diagnostic capabilities over conventional methods.