- 3T MRI Whole-Brain Microscopy Discrimination of Subcortical Anatomy, Part 2: Basal Forebrain
The authors applied an optimized TSE T2 sequence to washed whole postmortem brain samples (n=13) to demonstrate and characterize the detailed anatomy of the basal forebrain using a clinical 3T MR imaging scanner. Theyidentified most basal ganglia and diencephalon structures using serial axial, coronal, and sagittal planes relative to the intercommissural plane. Specific oblique image orientations demonstrated the positions and anatomic relationships for selected structures of interest to functional neurosurgery.
- Brain Tumor-Enhancement Visualization and Morphometric Assessment: A Comparison of MPRAGE, SPACE, and VIBE MRI Techniques
Fifty-four contrast-enhancing tumors (38 gliomas and 16 metastases) were assessed using MPRAGE, VIBE, and SPACE techniques randomly acquired after gadolinium-based contrast agent administration on a 3T scanner. Enhancement conspicuity was assessed quantitatively by calculating the contrast rate and contrast-to-noise ratio, and qualitatively, by consensus visual comparative ratings. Compared with MPRAGE, both SPACE and VIBE obtained higher contrast rate, contrast-to-noise ratio, and visual conspicuity ratings in both gliomas and metastases. The authors conclude that superior conspicuity for brain tumor enhancement can be achieved using SPACE and VIBE techniques, compared with MPRAGE.
- Comparison of Multiple Sclerosis Cortical Lesion Types Detected by Multicontrast 3T and 7T MRI
The aim of the authors was: 1) to compare multicontrast cortical lesion detection using 3T and 7T MR imaging, 2) to compare cortical lesion type frequency in relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive MS, and 3) to assess whether detectability is related to the magnetization transfer ratio, an imaging marker sensitive to myelin content. Multicontrast 3T and 7T MR images from 10 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 10 with secondary-progressive MS were evaluated with the following 3T contrasts: 3D-T1-weighted, quantitative T1, FLAIR and magnetization-transfer, and 2D proton density- and T2-weighted. The following 7T contrasts were used: 3D-T1-weighted, quantitative T1, and 2D-T2*-weighted. Cortical lesion counts at 7T were the following: 720 total cortical lesions, 420 leukocortical lesions (58%), 27 intracortical lesions (4%), and 273 subpial lesions (38%). Cortical lesion counts at 3T were the following: 424 total cortical, 393 leukocortical (93%), 0intracortical, and 31 subpial (7%) lesions. Total, intracortical, and subpial 3T lesion counts were significantly lower than the 7Tcounts. The authors conclude that detection of leukocortical lesions at 3T is comparable with that at 7T MR imaging. Imaging at 3T is less sensitive to intracortical and subpial lesions.
Welcome to the new AJNR, Updated Hall of Fame, and more. Read the full announcements.
AJNR is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Section Editor, AJNR Case Collection. Read the full announcement.