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Quantitative contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the optic nerve
J H Simon1, D Rubinstein, M Brown
1Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO.
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Contrast-enhanced MRI can detect optic neuritis by measuring blood-optic nerve barrier damage. This study established normal MRI values for optic nerve, muscle, and fat enhancement, aiding future optic neuritis research.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic neuritis involves damage to the blood-optic nerve barrier.
- Intravenous paramagnetic contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging can detect this damage during acute stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the enhancement patterns of the optic nerve, intraorbital fat, and muscle in normal subjects.
- To establish objective measures for optic neuritis using MR imaging.
Main Methods:
- 15 normal subjects underwent MR imaging using three fat-suppression techniques: FATSAT+SE, FATSAT+SPGR, and HYBRID.
- Pre- and postcontrast-enhanced studies were acquired for FATSAT+SE and FATSAT+SPGR.
- Signal intensity increases and optic nerve/muscle ratios were calculated.
Main Results:
- No significant optic nerve enhancement was observed with FATSAT+SE (0.96%) or FATSAT+SPGR (5.3%).
- Significant enhancement was noted in muscle (108.2–118.2%) and fat (13–37%).
- Postcontrast optic nerve/muscle signal intensity ratios varied by method (0.51–0.75).
Conclusions:
- The study proposes a practical MR imaging methodology for evaluating optic neuritis.
- Established normal values and ratios provide objective measures for natural history studies and treatment trials.