Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2020
ReviewTechnical Improvements in Head and Neck MR Imaging: At the Cutting Edge.
Head and neck MR imaging is technically challenging because of magnetic field inhomogeneity, respiratory and swallowing motion, and necessity of high-resolution imaging to trace key anatomic structures. These challenges have been answered by advances in MR imaging technology, including isovolumetric three-dimensional imaging, robust fat-water separation techniques, and novel deep learning-based reconstruction algorithms. ⋯ Improvements in acquisition and reconstruction technique facilitate novel applications of morphologic and functional imaging. This results in opportunities to improve diagnosis, staging, and treatment selection through application of advanced MR imaging techniques.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2020
ReviewPET Imaging of Tumor Hypoxia in Head and Neck Cancer: A Primer for Neuroradiologists.
Tumor hypoxia is a known independent prognostic factor for adverse patient outcomes in those with head and neck cancer. Areas of tumor hypoxia have been found to be more radiation resistant than areas of tumor with normal oxygenation levels. ⋯ PET imaging is the gold standard method for imaging tumor hypoxia, with 18F-fluoromisonidazole the most extensively studied hypoxic imaging tracer. Newer tracers also show promise.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2020
ReviewMagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Head and Neck: Principles, Applications, and Challenges.
Several investigations have revealed the utility of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as an adjunct in the evaluation of lesions of the head and neck. This technique remains a challenge in the head and neck because of its low signal-to-noise ratio and long acquisition times. In this review article, the basics of image acquisition technique and reported clinical utilities of head and neck MRS are presented.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2020
ReviewDual Energy Computed Tomography in Head and Neck Imaging: Pushing the Envelope.
Multiple applications of dual energy computed tomography (DECT) have been described for the evaluation of disorders in the head and neck, especially in oncology. We review the body of evidence suggesting advantages of DECT for the evaluation of the neck compared with conventional single energy computed tomography scans, but the full potential of DECT is still to be realized. There is early evidence suggesting significant advantages of DECT for the extraction of quantitative biomarkers using radiomics and machine learning, representing a new horizon that may enable this technology to reach its full potential.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2020
ReviewDiffusion MR Imaging in the Head and Neck: Principles and Applications.
Diffusion imaging is a functional MR imaging tool that creates tissue contrast representative of the random, microscopic translational motion of water molecules within human body tissues. Long considered a cornerstone MR imaging sequence for brain imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) increasingly is used for head and neck imaging. This review reports the current state of diffusion techniques for head and neck imaging, including conventional DWI, DWI trace with apparent diffusion coefficient map, diffusion tensor imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion, and diffusion kurtosis imaging. This article describes background physics, reports supportive evidence and potential pitfalls, highlights technical advances, and details practical clinical applications.