Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Sep 2008
Fast projective carotid MR angiography using arterial spin-labeled balanced SSFP.
To determine whether pulsed arterial spin-labeled (pulsed ASL) balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging allows for rapid projective depiction of the carotid arteries without electrocardiographic (ECG) gating. ⋯ pulsed ASL bSSFP is a fast technique for projective carotid angiography that may not require ECG gating. Acquisition time may be decreased with reduced FOV or parallel imaging strategies.
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Sep 2008
Investigation and optimization of parameter accuracy in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
To present a modified pharmacokinetic model for improved parameter accuracy and to investigate the influence of an inaccurate arterial input function (AIF) on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI parameter estimates of the transfer constant (Ktrans), blood volume (vp), and interstitial volume (ve). ⋯ While an accurate, high temporal resolution AIF is essential for estimating vp, a biexponential AIF acquired at low temporal resolution (<20 seconds) provides robust estimates of ve and results in a Ktrans underestimation comparable to that from a 25% error in the initial AIF bolus amplitude.
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Aug 2008
Comparative StudyComparison of different contrast agents and doses for quantitative MR myocardial perfusion imaging.
To investigate three different contrast agents at different injection volumes for repetitive quantitative multislice myocardial perfusion imaging using the prebolus technique. ⋯ Prebolus examinations for quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging are possible with all three contrast agents for sufficient small injection volumes. Gd-BOPTA was found to be advantageous for a combined quantitative rest and stress examination.
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Aug 2008
Comparative StudyComparison of T(1) and T(2) metabolite relaxation times in glioma and normal brain at 3T.
To measure T(1) and T(2) relaxation times of metabolites in glioma patients at 3T and to investigate how these values influence the observed metabolite levels. ⋯ The differential increase in T(2) for Cho and Cr relative to NAA means that the ratios of Cho/NAA and Cr/NAA are higher in tumor at longer echo times (TEs) relative to values in normal appearing brain. Having this information may be useful in defining the acquisition parameters for optimizing contrast between tumor and normal tissue in MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data, in which limited time is available and only one TE can be used.
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J Magn Reson Imaging · Aug 2008
Comparative StudyMRI vs. ultrasound for suspected appendicitis during pregnancy.
To compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound (US) and MRI in evaluation of pregnant patients with a clinical suspicion of appendicitis. ⋯ Based on a relatively small number of true-positives, our data suggests that MRI is very useful for the diagnosis and exclusion of appendicitis in pregnant women.