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The effect of cross-talk on MRI lesion numbers and volumes in multiple sclerosis using conventional and turbo
M Filippi1, T A Yousry, M A Rocca
1Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, University of Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
We measured and compared lesion numbers and volumes present on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) acquired with contiguous (scheme A) and interleaved (scheme B) slice acquisition, to evaluate whether there was a gain in sensitivity using the second pattern of acquisition and whether this counterbalanced the doubled acquisition time. Conventional spin-echo (CSE) sequences were performed for eight patients and turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences for ten. Acquisition scheme B detected 3.8% more lesions than acquisition scheme A (the increase was 3.1% for CSE and 4.5% for TSE). These differences were not statistically significant. No significant difference in lesion numbers was found when different lesion locations were also considered. Lesions volumes were significantly higher when scheme B was used (P = 0.024). This was due to higher lesion volumes on TSE images (P = 0.006), especially on even-numbered slices (P = 0.008). Inter-slice cross-talk has a negligible effect on lesion numbers and volume estimates in MS for CSE sequence, whilst it cannot be neglected when TSE sequences are used to measure MS lesion volume.
Insights
Interleaved MRI scans detect slightly more multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions but significantly increase lesion volume measurements, especially with TSE sequences. This gain in sensitivity may not outweigh the longer scan time.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis relies on detecting brain lesions via MRI.
- Optimizing MRI acquisition techniques is crucial for accurate lesion detection and volume measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare contiguous (A) versus interleaved (B) MRI slice acquisition for MS lesion detection and volume.
- To assess if interleaved acquisition's sensitivity benefits justify its extended scan time.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI scans of 18 multiple sclerosis patients were analyzed.
- Conventional Spin-Echo (CSE) and Turbo Spin-Echo (TSE) sequences were used.
- Lesion counts and volumes were compared between contiguous and interleaved acquisition schemes.
Main Results:
- Interleaved acquisition (B) showed a non-significant 3.8% increase in lesion detection compared to contiguous (A).
- Lesion volumes were significantly higher with interleaved acquisition (p=0.024), particularly on TSE images (p=0.006).
- Inter-slice crosstalk significantly impacted TSE lesion volume measurements.
Conclusions:
- Interleaved MRI acquisition offers minimal improvement in MS lesion detection.
- Increased lesion volumes in interleaved TSE scans suggest potential overestimation due to crosstalk.
- The benefits of interleaved acquisition for MS lesion quantification require careful consideration of sequence type and potential artifacts.