Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI
-
J Magn Reson Imaging · Apr 2012
Hadamard-encoding combined with two-dimensional-selective radiofrequency excitations for flexible and efficient acquisitions of multiple voxels in MR spectroscopy.
To improve the efficiency and flexibility of acquisitions of multiple voxels in MR spectroscopy by combining two-dimensional-selective radiofrequency (2DRF) excitations and Hadamard encoding. ⋯ The presented approach improves the flexibility and efficiency of acquisitions of multiple voxels, i.e., can shorten acquisition times accordingly, and can help to reduce partial volume effects.
-
J Magn Reson Imaging · Mar 2012
Radiology's ethical responsibility for healthcare reform: tempering the overutilization of medical imaging and trimming down a heavyweight.
In this review we describe the problem of overutilization of high-cost imaging modalities, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The overuse of CT is numerically more dramatic and also carries with it the not insignificant risk of harm to patients, namely, induction of radiation-induced malignancies. We report what is known of these risks in various imaging scenarios. ⋯ The imperative of appropriate utilization is focused on, with emphasis placed on computer-based medical decision support. Impediments to appropriate use, however, exist, with concerns of medicolegal liability high on the list of these issues. Finally, we recommend that radiologists take the lead in the reform process by implementing strategies such as decision support.
-
J Magn Reson Imaging · Mar 2012
Modulatory effects of acupuncture on resting-state networks: a functional MRI study combining independent component analysis and multivariate Granger causality analysis.
To investigate acupuncture specificity by exploring causal relationships of brain networks following acupuncture at GB40 (Qiuxu), with the acupoint KI3 (Taixi) as a control (belonging to the same nerve segment but different meridians). ⋯ The current study demonstrates that acupuncture at different acupoints could exert different modulatory effects on RSNs. Our findings may help to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture specificity.
-
J Magn Reson Imaging · Mar 2012
Liver MRI in the hepatocyte phase with gadolinium-EOB-DTPA: does increasing the flip angle improve conspicuity and detection rate of hypointense lesions?
To compare conspicuity and detection rate of hypointense lesions on T1-weighted (T1w) gradient echo (GRE) sequences with low and high flip angles (FA) in hepatocyte phase magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using gadoxetate disodium. ⋯ Increasing the FA in hepatocyte phase MRI with gadoxetate disodium improves hypointense lesion detection and conspicuity, particularly for small lesions.
-
J Magn Reson Imaging · Mar 2012
Proton MR spectroscopy in predicting the increase of perfusion MR imaging for WHO grade II gliomas.
To investigate the correlation between the metabolite ratios obtained from proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and those obtained from MR perfusion parameters (relative cerebral blood volume [rCBV]) in a cohort of low-grade glioma (LGG). ⋯ This study demonstrated consistent correlations between the data from (1) HMRS and PWI. The Lac/Cr ratio predicts regional hemodynamic changes, which are themselves a useful biomarker of clinical prognosis in patients with LGG. As such, this ratio may provide a new parameter for making improved clinical decisions.