Magnetic resonance imaging
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To explore quantitative parameters obtained by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) with Gd-EOB-DTPA in discriminating early-stage liver fibrosis (LF) in a rabbit model. ⋯ Among quantitative parameters of Gd-EOB-DTPA DCE MRI, Ktrans was the best predictor for quantitatively differentiating early-stage LF.
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Quantification of the T2∗ relaxation time constant is relevant in various magnetic resonance imaging applications. Mono- or bi-exponential models are typically used to determine these parameters. However, in case of complex, heterogeneous tissues these models could lead to inaccurate results. We compared a model, provided by the fractional-order extension of the Bloch equation with the conventional models. ⋯ In high SNR cases, the fractional order and bi-exponential models are both performing well with low bias. However, in all observed cases, one of the bi-exponential components has high standard deviation in T2∗. The bi-exponential model is suitable for T2∗ mapping, but we recommend using the fractional order model for cases of low SNR.
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The medical specialty radiology has experienced a number of extremely important and influential technical developments in the past that have affected how medical imaging is deployed. Artificial intelligence (AI) is potentially another such development that will introduce fundamental changes into the practice of radiology. In this commentary the historical evolution of some major changes in radiology are traced as background to how AI may also be embraced into practice. Potential new capabilities provided by AI offer exciting prospects for more efficient and effective use of medical images.
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To develop and evaluate a novel non-ECG triggered 2D magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) sequence allowing for simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping and cardiac Cine imaging. ⋯ The proposed free-running cardiac MRF approach allows for simultaneous assessment of myocardial T1 and T2 and Cine imaging in a single scan.
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Quantification of pharmacokinetic parameters in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI is heavily dependent on the arterial input function (AIF). In the present patient study on advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) we have acquired DCE-MR images before and during chemo radiotherapy. We determined the repeatability of image-derived AIFs and of the obtained kinetic parameters in muscle and compared the repeatability of muscle kinetic parameters obtained with image-derived AIF's versus a population-based AIF. ⋯ Image-derived AIFs in the neck region showed significant variations in the AIFs obtained from different arteries, and did not improve repeatability of the resulting pharmacokinetic parameters compared with the use of a population averaged AIF. Therefore, use of a population averaged AIF seems to be preferable for pharmacokinetic analysis using DCE-MRI in the head and neck area.