Investigative radiology
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Investigative radiology · Aug 2006
Cardiac cine imaging at 3 Tesla: initial experience with a 32-element body-array coil.
We sought to assess the feasibility of cardiac cine imaging and evaluate image quality at 3 T using a body-array coil with 32 coil elements. ⋯ This study shows that cardiac cine imaging at 3 T using a 32-element body-array coil is feasible in healthy volunteers. Using a large number of coil elements with a favorable sensitivity profile supports faster image acquisition, with high diagnostic image quality even for high parallel imaging factors.
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Investigative radiology · Jul 2006
Comparative StudyBrain magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla using BLADE compared with standard rectilinear data sampling.
We sought to evaluate Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction (PROPELLER; BLADE) data acquisition in comparison with standard k-space sampling techniques for axial and sagittal brain imaging at 3 T regarding imaging artifacts. ⋯ PROPELLER (BLADE) brain magnetic resonance imaging is also applicable at 3 T. In addition to minimizing motion artifacts, the PROPELLER acquisition scheme reduces other magnetic resonance artifacts that would otherwise degrade scan quality.
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Investigative radiology · Jul 2006
Optimization of acquisition parameters of diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging in the spinal cord.
The purpose of this study was to optimize imaging parameters for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the cervical spinal cord using a recently developed sensitivity-encoded (SENSE) imaging technique, which can substantially reduce susceptibility artifacts. ⋯ Optimal parameters for DTI in the cervical spinal cord included a b-value of 900 seconds/mm, 15 diffusion gradient directions, 5 excitations, and a slice thickness of 4mm.
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Investigative radiology · Apr 2006
Comparative StudyHigh spatial-resolution CE-MRA of the carotid circulation with parallel imaging: comparison of image quality between 2 different acceleration factors at 3.0 Tesla.
We sought to evaluate and compare the image quality and vessel delineation of the carotid arteries with high spatial-resolution contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) at 3.0 T using integrated parallel acquisition (iPAT) with acceleration factors of 2 and 4. ⋯ Use of parallel acquisition techniques with a high acceleration factor (iPAT-4) results in superior depiction of small intracranial arterial segments. Imaging at higher magnetic field strength, in addition to the use of an optimized 8-channel array coil, provides sufficient SNR to support faster parallel acquisition protocols, leading to improved spatial-resolution. More extensive clinical studies are warranted to establish the range of applications and confirm the accuracy of the technique.
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Investigative radiology · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyComparison of gradient-echo and steady-state free precession for coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography using a gadolinium-based intravascular contrast agent.
Intravascular contrast agents may offer longer imaging times and better vessel visualization over conventional extravascular agents for magnetic resonance coronary angiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravascular contrast (B-22956/1) on coronary visualization. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared in inversion-recovery (IR)-prepared FLASH (fast low-angle shot) and IR-trueFISP (true fast imaging with steady-state precession) sequences before and after contrast. ⋯ Intravascular contrast agents improve CNR and vessel visualization in coronary magnetic resonance angiography with IR-FLASH and IR-trueFISP.