Related Experiment Videos
[Clinical application of three dimensional ultrafast MR imaging to intracerebral traumatic lesions]
K Enomoto1, M Amanuma, M Hasegawa
1Department of Radiology, Saitama Medical School.
Abstract:
We applied a T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo sequence (MPRAGE) for the detection of intracerebral lesions associated with closed head injuries. Thirty-four patients underwent brain MR imaging on a 1.5 Tesla superconducting MR unit. We applied an MPRAGE sequence, together with spin echo (SE) and gradient echo (GRE) sequences, and evaluated the detectability of lesions with each sequence. A total of 100 intracerebral traumatic lesions (33 cortical contusion, 56 diffuse axonal injury, 11 subcortical gray matter injury) were found. Ninety-seven percent of all lesions were detected on MPRAGE images, and 67% on SE and GRE images. The detectability of lesions in each category was 91%, 98%, and 100% on MPRAGE images, and 88%, 54%, and 73% on either SE or GRE images. 3D MPRAGE is a promising method to detect intracerebral traumatic lesions, particularly those associated with diffuse axonal injury, because of its high quality of contrast and spatial resolution and the capability of image reconstruction in any plane.
Insights
Three-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequences effectively detect intracerebral lesions from head injuries. This advanced MRI technique shows superior lesion detection compared to conventional methods, especially for diffuse axonal injury.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Neurology
- Neurotrauma Research
Context:
- Closed head injuries frequently cause intracerebral lesions, including cortical contusions, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), and subcortical gray matter injuries.
- Accurate detection of these lesions is crucial for diagnosis and patient management.
- Conventional MRI sequences like spin echo (SE) and gradient echo (GRE) have limitations in detecting certain types of traumatic brain injuries.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequence in detecting intracerebral lesions associated with closed head injuries.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of MPRAGE with conventional SE and GRE sequences for various types of traumatic brain lesions.
Summary:
- Thirty-four patients with closed head injuries underwent brain MRI using a 1.5 Tesla unit, with MPRAGE, SE, and GRE sequences applied.
- A total of 100 lesions were identified: 33 cortical contusions, 56 DAI, and 11 subcortical gray matter injuries.
- MPRAGE detected 97% of all lesions, significantly outperforming SE (67%) and GRE (67%). Detectability for DAI was particularly high at 98% with MPRAGE versus 54% with SE/GRE.
Impact:
- 3D MPRAGE demonstrates high sensitivity and spatial resolution for detecting intracerebral traumatic lesions, especially DAI.
- This advanced MRI technique offers improved visualization of subtle traumatic brain injuries.
- MPRAGE's capability for multiplanar reconstruction enhances its utility in diagnosing and characterizing traumatic brain lesions.