Use of magnetization transfer for improved contrast on gradient-echo MR images of the cervical spine.

Finelli, Daniel A.; Hurst, Gregory C.; Karaman, Boris A.; Simon, Judy E.; Duerk, Jeffrey L.; Bellon, Errol M.

doi:10.1148/radiology.193.1.8090886

Cited by 35 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…It involves saturation of the bound proton pool, resulting in a decrease in signal intensity that particularly affects highly organized tissue with many bound protons, such as healthy white matter. In the spinal cord, the application of an MT pulse results in a significant increase in the contrast-to-noise ratio, which in prior studies has been shown to improve delineation of intrinsic cord lesions [47, 48]. However, under the imaging conditions adopted in this study, the MT preparation did not improve lesion detection relative to the GRE scan, which appeared to be excellent on its own.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 59%

Axial 3D gradient-echo imaging for improved multiple sclerosis lesion detection in the cervical spinal cord at 3T

et al. 2012

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Introduction In multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord imaging can help in diagnosis and follow-up evaluation. However, spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is technically challenging, and image quality, particularly in the axial plane, is typically poor compared to brain MRI. Because gradient-recalled echo (GRE) images might offer improved contrast resolution within the spinal cord at high magnetic field strength, both without and with a magnetization transfer prepulse, we compared them to T2-weighted fast-spin-echo (T2-FSE) images for the detection of MS lesions in the cervical cord at 3T. Methods On a clinical 3T MRI scanner, we studied 62 MS cases and 19 healthy volunteers. Axial 3D GRE sequences were performed without and with off-resonance radiofrequency irradiation. To mimic clinical practice, all images were evaluated in conjunction with linked images from a sagittal short tau inversion recovery scan, which is considered the gold standard for lesion detection in MS. Two experienced observers recorded image quality, location and size of focal lesions, atrophy, swelling, and diffuse signal abnormality independently at first and then in consensus. Results The number and volume of lesions detected with high confidence was more than three times as high on both GRE sequences compared to T2-FSE (p<0.0001). Approximately 5 % of GRE scans were affected by artifacts that interfered with image interpretation, not significantly different from T2W-FSE. Conclusions Axial 3D GRE sequences are useful for MS lesion detection when compared to 2D T2-FSE sequences in the cervical spinal cord at 3T and should be considered when examining intramedullary spinal cord lesions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 59%

Axial 3D gradient-echo imaging for improved multiple sclerosis lesion detection in the cervical spinal cord at 3T

et al. 2012

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“…The gradient echo image sequence with magnetization transfer has been proposed as the best method for assessment of the intervertebral foramina. [53][54][55] A direct correlation between narrowing of disk space and a decrease in foraminal height has been determined in humans 52 ; the height of the foramen is less important than its width because the width was consistently smaller in patients with clinical signs versus those without clinical signs. 56 In the present investigation, we measured and classified the foraminal stenosis on the basis of the middle foraminal height, which is equivalent to foraminal width in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphologic and morphometric magnetic resonance imaging features of Doberman Pinschers with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy

Costa¹,

Parent²,

Partlow³

et al. 2006

ajvr

117

214

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The incidence of intervertebral disk degeneration and foraminal stenosis in clinically normal Doberman Pinschers was high; cervical spinal cord compression may be present without concurrent clinical signs. A combination of static factors (ie, a relatively stenotic vertebral canal and wider intervertebral disks) distinguished CSM-affected dogs from clinically normal dogs and appears to be a key feature in the pathogenesis of CSM.

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“…The magnitude of its importance in humans led us to include specifically a gradient echo FLASH sequence associated with MT, and pre and postintravenous gadolinium images for assessment of intervertebral foramina. In humans, the FLASH sequence with MT provided the best anatomic detail for the cervical spinal cord, intervertebral foramina, cerebrospinal fluid, and compact bone, compared with other sequences 46,47 . When contrast enhancement was combined with MT, it improved the assessment of the intervertebral foramina avoiding overestimation of foraminal stenosis 48 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Myelography in 18 Doberman Pinscher Dogs With Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Costa

Parent

Dobson

et al. 2006

Vet Radiology Ultrasound

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Eighteen Doberman pinscher dogs with clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome) underwent cervical myelography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Cervical myelography was performed using iohexol, followed by lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs. Traction myelography was performed using a cervical harness exerting 9 kg of linear traction. MR imaging was performed in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes using a 1.5 T magnet with the spine in neutral and traction positions. Three reviewers independently evaluated the myelographic and MR images to determine the most extensive lesion and whether the lesion was static or dynamic. All reviewers agreed with the location of the most extensive lesion on MR images (100%), while the agreement using myelography was 83%. The myelogram and MR imaging findings agreed in the identification of the affected site in 13-16 dogs depending on the reviewer. MR imaging provided additional information on lesion location because it allowed direct examination of the spinal cord diameter and parenchyma. Spinal cord signal changes were seen in 10 dogs. Depending on the reviewer, two to four dogs had their lesions classified as dynamic on myelography but static on MR images. Myelography markedly underscored the severity of the spinal cord compression in two dogs, and failed to identify the cause of the signs in another. The results of this study indicated that, although myelography can identify the location of the lesion in most patients, MR imaging appears to be more accurate in predicting the site, severity, and nature of the spinal cord compression.

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Use of magnetization transfer for improved contrast on gradient-echo MR images of the cervical spine.

Abstract: The MT GRE images demonstrated superior delineation of disk herniations, foraminal stenosis, and intrinsic cord lesions over conventional GRE and T2-weighted spin-echo images in clinical cervical spine examinations.

Cited by 35 publications

References 0 publications

Axial 3D gradient-echo imaging for improved multiple sclerosis lesion detection in the cervical spinal cord at 3T

Axial 3D gradient-echo imaging for improved multiple sclerosis lesion detection in the cervical spinal cord at 3T

Morphologic and morphometric magnetic resonance imaging features of Doberman Pinschers with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Myelography in 18 Doberman Pinscher Dogs With Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

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