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Magnetization transfer imaging of the head and neck: normative data
D M Yousem1, M D Schnall, L Dougherty
1Department of Radiology and Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Magnetization transfer imaging reveals distinct magnetization transfer ratios in head and neck structures. Muscle tissues exhibit the highest ratios, while fat and cerebrospinal fluid show minimal transfer, aiding disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
- Radiology
Background:
- Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging quantifies the interaction between water protons and macromolecules.
- Understanding normal tissue MT parameters is crucial for detecting pathological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline magnetization transfer ratios (MTR) for normal head and neck anatomical structures.
- To enable the identification of abnormalities in head and neck diseases using MT imaging.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional MT imaging was conducted on 12 healthy volunteers and 20 patients.
- Specific imaging parameters included a repetition time of 500 ms, echo time of 12 ms, and a 20-degree flip angle.
- Magnetization transfer ratios were calculated using the formula: 1 - (intensity after suppression/intensity before suppression).
Main Results:
- Facial and tongue muscles demonstrated equivalent MTRs (0.54).
- Parotid (0.39) and submandibular glands (0.41) had lower MTRs compared to muscles.
- Fat (0.07) and cerebrospinal fluid (0.05) exhibited negligible magnetization transfer.
Conclusions:
- Magnetization transfer imaging is an effective method for assessing macromolecular proton contributions in MR images.
- Normal head and neck structures display a spectrum of MTRs, with muscles showing the highest values and cerebrospinal fluid/fat the lowest.