bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Possible Composition Changes of Placenta over Gestation Age Using Diffusion‐Relaxometry Correlated Spectroscopy Imaging
Authors: Liu Xilong , Huang Chantao , Hu Wentao , Feng Jie , Qiao Wenjun , Chen Sijin , Liu Bo , Dai Yongming , Xu Yikai
Published: August 2024

Currently, antenatal noninvasive imaging techniques to directly evaluate placental function remains challenge. The objective of this study was using diffusion-relaxometry correlated spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) as a tool to probe the possible placental composition changes over gestation in normal pregnancy. Four to five peaks were visible in the D-T2 spectrum for most subjects. DR-CSI compartments were defined according to peak distribution. Significant correlation between DR-CSI compartment volume fractions and GA was found. We suggested that the DR-CSI technique could be used to reveal features of placental composition.
Measuring gradient waveforms effectively with fully compensated variable-prephasing
Authors: Scholten Hannah , Lohr David , Wech Tobias , Köstler Herbert
Published: August 2024

Gradient inaccuracies often deteriorate image quality in non-Cartesian MRI, raising a demand for accurate gradient waveform measurements. The recently proposed approach of “variable-prephasing” provides an efficient gradient measurement technique with high SNR. However, the original variable-prephasing sequence neglects lingering field effects from the prephasing gradients, which we show to produce erroneous results if the gradient system exhibits sharp mechanical resonances. We therefore propose “fully compensated variable-prephasing” and demonstrate its ability to remove all field effects not stemming from the test gradient of interest.
‘Reverse’ RF/B0 shimming coils
Authors: Yan Xinqiang , Chai Shuyang , Lu Ming , Gore John
Published: August 2024

In this work, we propose a reverse RF/B0 shimming coil design for ultrahigh field MRI without using any large bridge choke inductors. Our simulation and experimental results reveal that this design does not impair the RF performance, but would able to reduce the DC resistance/inductance/heating and also save precious space in RF/B0 shimming coils.
Flexible use of AC/DC coil for eddy-currents and concomitant fields mitigation with applications in diffusion-prepared non-Cartesian sampling
Authors: Liao Congyu , Stockmann Jason , Cao Xiaozhi , Li Zhitao , Craven-Brightman Lincoln , Sliwiak Monika , Biggs Charles , Zhong Zheng , Wang Nan , Wu Hua , Grafendorfer Thomas , Robb Fraser , Gruber Bernhard , Mareyam Azma , Kerr Adam , Setsompop Kawin
Published: August 2024

This work provides a demonstration that the AC/DC shim-array can be flexibly used to correct undesirable eddy-current and concomitant fields effect in MRI acquisitions, with simulation results showing its effectiveness at mitigating eddy-current induced phase in diffusion-prepared acquisition and in mitigating concomitant fields in non-Cartesian trajectories, such as spiral. Phantom and invivo experiments were also performed on a 46-channel AC/DC shim-array to demonstrate high-fidelity multi-shot 3D diffusion-prepared acquisition without need for SNR-zapping amplitude stabilizer.
Fetal 3D cine cardiovascular MRI: Improved image quality with region-optimized virtual coils
Authors: Piek Marjolein , Töger Johannes , Hedström Erik , Aletras Anthony
Published: August 2024

Recently, the first 3D cine radial acquisition of the fetal heart with isotropic resolution was introduced. However, image quality suffers from radial streaking artifacts due to under-sampling. A new coil combination method, Region-Optimised Virtual coils (ROVir), was suggested to improve image quality by highlighting signal from the ROI while suppressing signal from unwanted regions. This study aimed to compare 3D fetal cardiac imaging ROVir to conventional SVD-based coil combination, in a parallel imaging based reconstruction. Streaking artifacts were reduced, and the cine could be reconstructed to more cardiac phases. This allowed for improved appreciation of fetal cardiac function.
Motion-corrected free-running 4D MRI of the fetal heart - from in silico to in vivo
Authors: Ferincz Robin , Falcão Mariana , Secinaro Aurelio , Buonincontri Guido , Alamo Leonor , Tenisch Estelle , Prša Milan , Piccini Davide , Yerly Jérôme , Stuber Matthias , Roy Christopher
Published: August 2024

MR imaging of the fetal heart is challenging due to resolution requirements and the impact of maternal respiration, fetal cardiac motion, and gross fetal movement. These factors have largely precluded the development of 3D acquisition techniques. In this work, a novel reconstruction algorithm is developed to estimate and correct for displacement of the fetal heart due to maternal respiration and gross fetal movement enabling the first-ever motion-corrected time-resolved 4D images of the fetal heart from 3D radial data. Proof-of-concept results are demonstrated using a comprehensive numerical simulation developed for this work and initial data acquired in utero.
Can MRS detect metabolites differences in fetuses affected by CMV?
Authors: Sadan Or Rachel , Avisdris Netanell , Rabinowich Aviad , Link-Sourani Daphna , Ben Sira Liat , Ben Bashat Dafna
Published: August 2024

We aimed to examine whether MR spectroscopy (MRS) within the deep grey matter can detect brain metabolic changes in fetal cytomegalovirus infection. Retrospective data from 47 fetuses with brain sonography, MRI, and MRS scans were used: 27 women had a positive PCR on amniocentesis. Seven (out of the 27) fetuses had brain MRI findings common to CMV. NAA+NAAG, and Cr were significantly lower in fetuses with PCR+ and MRI findings. No differences were detected in fetuses without imaging findings (PCR+ and PCR-). These metabolic changes could reflect brain impairments.
In-vivo T1 mapping for quantitative evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Dou Jiaqi , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Yajie , Xu Ziming , Wang Jing , Chen Huijun
Published: August 2024

T1 mapping could provide more reliable quantitative measurements of plaques than traditional T1w MR images. In this study, the feasibility of in vivo quantitative T1 mapping of intracranial plaque had been demonstrated for the first time using a 3D SNAP with golden angle radial k-space sampling (GOAL-SNAP) sequence. Symptomatic patients showed significantly lower intraplaque T1 values than asymptomatic patients (1695.21 ± 493.23 vs. 2241.76 ± 300.28 ms, p=0.045). Quantifying plaque T1 values and enhancement through 3D GOAL-SNAP T1 mapping images is promising for characterizing the symptomatic plaques, serving as one potential tool for further plaque analysis.
Diffusion and relaxometry study of an excised temporal lobe from a drug-resistance epilepsy patient using in vivo and ex vivo MRI
Authors: Fritz Francisco , Oeschger Jan Malte , Ohana Ora , Sauvigny Thomas , Mohammadi Siawoosh
Published: August 2024

To learn and validate MRI-based microstructure models, MRI from fixed ex-vivo tissue samples can be compared with its histological counterpart. However, translating these models to in-vivo MRI requires thorough characterisation of MR-contrast changes between in-vivo and fixed ex-vivo measurements (e.g., due to fixation). By preforming this characterisation on an epilepsy patient’s freshly excised temporal lobe, we found that diffusion parameters changed strongly whereas relaxometry parameters remained almost unchanged. Our findings provide a missing link between in-vivo and fixed ex-vivo MRI that in future can facilitate in-vivo application of MRI-based microstructure mapping like estimating iron and myelin from relaxometry parameters.
Evaluation of Activity of Graves’ Orbitopathy by Multiparameter Orbital MRI
Authors: Gou Xinyi , Zhang Xiuying , Lian Jianxiu , Xu Xiaofang , Piao Zhenyu , Zhou Lingli , Cheng Jingyi , Chen Chuhan , Chen Lei , Jiang Ke , Cheng Jin , Ji Linong , Hong Nan
Published: August 2024

The evaluation in activity of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) has important clinical significance for the treatment decision making and prognosis prediction for GO patients. Some previous studies have a limited comprehensive consideration that GO could involve almost entire orbital region, leading to complex changes in MR quantitative parameter, such as T1, T2, and fat fractions. In this study, we established a combined model including MRI quantitative parameters concerning multiple tissues of eyes and multiple sequences to distinguish active GO. And it was better than using a certain parameter alone to evaluate GO activity.
Time-of-Day Analysis of Brain Sodium TSC Maps
Authors: Nowikow Cameron , Polak Paul , Noseworthy Michael
Published: August 2024

Previous investigations into brain sodium imaging have avoided the potential of variability due to circadian effects. Thus, in a pilot study we investigated whether time-of-day contributes to tissue sodium concentration (TSC) variance. Three TSC maps were acquired from 7 subjects, at three different times of day (8:00, 16:00, 22:00). Each TSC map was segmented into 10 ROIs before being analyzed using ANOVA with SNR and signal linewidth as added covariates. Time-of-day was a significant source of variance as was spectral linewidth. Between subject variance and SNR were not significant factors in the model.
Impact of EPI readout duration on the diffusion-fMRI response onset time
Authors: Hodono Shota , Polimeni Jonathan , Cloos Martijn
Published: August 2024

We investigated the impact of the EPI readout duration on the onset time of activation observed with diffusion functional MRI (DfMRI). Both long (28.5-ms) and short (12.5-ms) readouts showed a clear functional response, even in individual subjects. However, using a long readout the onset time was shifted towards SE-BOLD (1.6-s [short readout] vs 1.2-s [long readout]), suggesting that longer readouts make the DfMRI signal more similar to SE-BOLD, presumably due to increased BOLD contamination.
Cell-type specific basal forebrain modulation shapes global functional network organizations supporting behavioral variability
Authors: Tong Chuanjun , Zou Yijuan , Feng Yanqiu , Liang Zhifeng
Published: August 2024

Activations of the basal forebrain (BF) were associated with arousal fluctuations1, and the regulation of the default model network2,3. However, it remains ambiguous how the cell-type specific BF neurons shape the behavioral performances. We developed an awake mouse fMRI setup with simultaneous cell-type specific optogenetic stimulations in BF. Combined with the anterograde tracing data4, we revealed weak structural-functional correspondence of BF neurons, and demonstrated the cell-type specific BF modulations shaped global functional network organizations supporting behavioral variability. Our results made great sense on the understanding the cerebral regulations and behaviors from BF neurons in a macroscopic whole-brain view.
Three-Dimensional Kidney Shape Analysis: Associations with Anthropometric and Disease Factors
Authors: Thanaj Marjola , Basty Nicolas , Cule Madeleine , Sorokin Elena , Bell Jimmy , Thomas Elizabeth , Witcher Brandon
Published: August 2024

Organ MRI measurements have the potential to enhance our understanding of the precise phenotypic changes underlying many clinical conditions. Using kidney mesh-based shape analysis we were able to detect variation in specific anatomical regions of the kidney, and associate this with anthropometric traits as well as disease states including chronic kidney disease (CKD), type-2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension. We show that CKD is associated with smaller kidneys. We also show that T2D and hypertension are associated with larger kidneys.
A preliminary study of rapid T1mapping imaging for evaluating renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Hua Chenchen , Zhuang Yi , Zhou Leting , Qiu Lu , Cai Ting , Xu Bin , Hao Shaowei , Wang Liang , Jiang Haoxiang
Published: August 2024

T1 mapping is a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that can reflect the extent of tissue fibrosis. Classical inversion recovery (IR) method can measure the T1 value with high accuracy, but it has long acquisition times. Therefore, the variable flip angle(VFA) method and the modified look‑locker inversion recovery method (MOLLI) are more frequently used in practical clinical applications. The objectives of this study was to compare the two rapid T1mapping imaging methods and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of T1 values measured by the two methods in differentiating the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis(IF).
Time-encoded Arterial Spin Labeling for Renal Perfusion Quantification Covering the Whole Kidneys
Authors: Ning Zihan , Chen Zhensen , Chen Shuo , Han Hualu , Zhao Long , Wang Rui , Si Dongyue , Qiao Huiyu , Shen Rui , Zhao Xihai
Published: August 2024

We performed a series of optimization on the encoding scheme, pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) parameters, and post-processing of time-encoded pCASL (te-pCASL), then proposed Time-encoded Arterial Spin labeling to cover the whole Kidneys (TASK) to achieve multiple time-points renal perfusion measurement efficiently. With Gave of 0.4-0.6 mT/m and Gmax/Gave around 10, Walsh-Hadamard encoding scheme, and retrospective registration, TASK was able to provide accurate and reproducible RBF and ATT measurement covering the whole kidneys with single 5-min scan.
Potential of multiparametric MRI in the longitudinal assessment of renal allografts after transplantation
Authors: Echeverria-Chasco Rebeca , Martin-Moreno Paloma L. , Garcia-Fernandez Nuria , Vidorreta Marta , Garcia-Ruiz Leyre , Oyarzun Anne , Larre Arantxa Villanueva , Bastarrika Gorka , Fernández-Seara Maria A.
Published: August 2024

A multiparametric MRI protocol (perfusion, diffusion and T1) was employed to assess longitudinally the kidney allograft at different time points after the transplatation (first week, 3rd month and one year after the surgery) in a 3T system. Patients were divided into stable and unstable function according to their evolution. Results showed that GFR and RBF increased for patients with stable function and decreased for patients with unstable function, showing significant differences between groups at Exam 3. In conclusion, multiparametric MRI can help to assess the allograft longitudinally and has the potential to predict allograft dysfunction when ASL measurements are included.
Pronounced gender and lifestyle effects in the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) of the ageing brain
Authors: Oros-Peusquens Ana-Maria , Hau Luis , Cho Junghun , Bittner Nora , Caspers Svenja , Wang Yi , Shah N. Jon
Published: August 2024

Regionally-resolved oxygen extraction fraction was investigated in an elderly cohort. OEF was obtained from a single 3D mGRE scan using a novel integrated model of QSM phase signal and quantitative blood oxygenation level dependent magnitude signal. Whereas age showed little influence on this metabolic parameter, a pronounced gender effect was observed. A lifestyle index reflecting physical and social activity as well as alcohol and nicotine consumption showed strong correlations with OEF. Venous blood volume fraction and tissue R2*, but not tissue QSM, also reflected lifestyle influence, showing that brain age is more than number of years.
Multi-channel CAscaded Multi-scale WAvelet with iterative REfinement (CAMWARE) network for accelerated whole-brain vessel wall imaging
Authors: Chen Junzhou , Hu Zhehao , Ruan Dan , Han Fei , Bi xiaoming , Lerner Alexander , Poblete Roy , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: August 2024

3D MR vessel wall imaging (VWI) is a non-invasive imaging modality for directly assessing intracranial arterial wall diseases. A typical intracranial VWI protocol requires 6-12 minutes per scan to obtain adequate spatial coverage and resolution. Such a long scan time hinders widespread use of VWI in clinical settings. We have developed a multi-channel application-ready intracranial vessel-dedicated CAscaded Multi-level WAvelet REfine (CAMWARE) network that enables a VWI scan within 4 minutes. The proposed network achieved significant improvement in vessel wall delination over conventional compressed sensing reconstruction.
Radiomics model based on MRI for early prediction of radiation encephalopathy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Lixuan , Yang Zongxiang , Ren Hao , Hu Yao , Tang Cheng , Zhang Huiting , Long Liling
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to develop radiomic models based on MRI to investigate the changes of temporal lobe heterogeneity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with radiation encephalopathy (REP) during the latent period, and to predict the temporal lobe REP early. Results showed that The AUC of radiomics-clinics combined model was higher than radiomics model and clinics model, with better accuracy. Our study suggested that the radiomics-clinics combined model may be an effective method for the noninvasive prediction of REP in NPC patients after radiotherapy.
Disrupted within-network segregations and between-network integrations in age-related hearing loss with cognitive decline
Authors: Tong Zhaopeng , Xing Chunhua , Xu Xiaomin , Xu Jin-Jing , Wu Yuanqing , Salvi Richard , Yin Xindao , Chen Yu-Chen , Cai Yuexin
Published: August 2024

Age-related hearing loss is generally associated with dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms and causal relationship linking ARHL to dementia are poorly understood. Based on resting-state fMRI, the study found that ARHL disrupts specific aspects of resting-state functional connectivity patterns across frontal-parietal regions of the central nervous system; these changes presumably reflect cortical reorganization resulting from auditory sensory deprivation and/or the long-term consequences of effortful listening. The ARHL disruption of network information processing presumably accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive decline.
Disentangling T1 relaxation from MT effects in the MP2RAGE sequence
Authors: Soustelle Lucas , Hertanu Andreea , Troalen Thomas , Guye Maxime , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Duhamel Guillaume , Girard Olivier
Published: August 2024

Common T1 mapping methods are dependent on the biophysical model assumptions. Previous work based on a qMT-SPGR framework demonstrated the influence of magnetization transfer effects and the importance of appropriate sequence design and signal modelling for T1 estimation. In this work, we expanded upon this optimized framework using an MP2RAGE sequence and demonstrated that quantitative T1 values in agreement with VFA-based experiments can be obtained in the human brain.
The respective contribution of cell swelling and changes in hydrated water molecules to T2 changes due to changes in membrane potential
Authors: Kim Seong-min , Min Kyeongseon , Lee Jung Seung , Park Jang-Yeon
Published: August 2024

Our group recently reported a method for direct imaging of neuronal activity (DIANA), suggesting that its contrast mechanism is T2 changes due to changes in membrane potential during neuronal activation, which accompanies cell swelling and changes in hydrating water modlecules of the cell membrane. In this study, by measuring apparent-diffusion-coefficient (ADC) and pool-size-ratio (PSR) versus T2, respectively, we verified the respective contribution of cell swelling and changes in hydrating water modlecules to T2 changes when only osmotic pressure or membrane potential was altered in T-lymphocyte cells in vitro.
Attention-guided network for image registration of accelerated cardiac CINE
Authors: Ghoul Aya , Hammernik Kerstin , Krumm Patrick , Gatidis Sergios , Küstner Thomas
Published: August 2024

Motion-resolved reconstruction methods permit for considerable acceleration for cardiac CINE acquisition. Solving for the non-rigid cardiac motion is computationally demanding, and even more challenging in highly accelerated acquisitions, due to the undersampling artifacts in image domain. Here, we introduce a novel deep learning-based image registration network, GMA-RAFT, for estimating cardiac motion from accelerated imaging. A transformer-based module enhances the iterative recurrent refinement of the estimated motion by introducing structural self-similarities into the decoded features. Experiments on Cartesian and radial trajectories demonstrate superior results compared to other deep learning and state-of-the-art baselines in terms of motion estimation and motion-compensated reconstruction.
A 3D nigrosome atlas based on multi-modal histology and multi-parametric quantitative MRI
Authors: Brammerloh Malte , Kirilina Evgeniya , Alkemade Anneke , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Jantzen Caroline , Schaumberg Sara , Jäger Carsten , Herrler Andreas , Pine Kerrin , Morawski Markus , Forstmann Birte , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: August 2024

MRI holds great promise to unravel the selective vulnerability and functional differentiation of the nigrosomes in the human substantia nigra pars compacta. Based on block-face imaging and calbindin-D28K immunohistochemistry, we constructed a 3D nigrosome atlas. Using this atlas, we demonstrate several nigrosomes to show increased R2* values in post mortem tissue. Our results further challenge the common identification of the nigrosomes with hyperintense structures in in vivo MRI, particularly nigrosome 1 and the swallow tail sign.
UTILITY OF OXYGEN-ENHANCED LUNG MRI IN LONG TERM POST-LUNG TRANSPLANT PATIENT CARE
Authors: Speth Milan , Kaireit Till , Gutberlet Marcel , Klimeš Filip , Behrendt Lea , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Wacker Frank , Welte Tobias , Gottlieb Jens , Vogel-Claussen Jens
Published: August 2024

Aim of this prospective single-center surveillance study was to assess the ability of oxygen-enhanced MRI to predict future chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) related transplant loss. Baseline MRI scans were acquired 6-12 months and follow-up MRI 2.5 years after double lung transplantation. T1 mapping was carried out with patients breathing room air and 100% oxygen, Delta T1 maps were calculated. Median, quartile coefficient of dispersion and ventilated volume parameters were correlated with graft loss and compared with same day lung function testing. Oxygen-enhanced MRI predicted future CLAD-related transplant loss 6-12 months post transplantation and, when evaluating %change, at follow-up MRI.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticle MR Lymphangiography (ION-MRL): A quantitative technique for assessing the peripheral and central lymphatic systems.
Authors: Sibley Robert , Vasanawala Shreyas , Loening Andreas
Published: August 2024

A lack of clinical quantitative lymphatic metrics slows progress for innovation in treatment of lymphatic disease. MR lymphangiography provides high resolution anatomic analysis of the lymphatic system necessary for guiding new and emerging therapeutics but has not been explored as a quantitative metric. We coupled MR lymphangiography with iron oxide nanoparticles as the contrast agent and demonstrate the time to visualization of the thoracic duct is decreased in patients with bilateral lymphedema. Additionally, the change in R2* of inguinal lymph nodes after transpedal contrast injection quantifies lymphatic transit in patients with lymphedema.
Nominal respiratory features in spontaneous breathing: Towards multiparametric atlases with 3D MR spirometry in healthy volunteers
Authors: Barrau Nathalie , Duwat Adrien , Sambourg Killian , Nemeth Angéline , Beurnier Antoine , Boucneau Tanguy , Lebon Vincent , Maître Xavier
Published: August 2024

Three-dimensional MR spirometry fosters a double paradigm shift upon standard spirometry: from forced to free breathing and from global to local measurements. The technique makes use of voxel-wise flow-volume loops and original biomechanical markers to characterize the regional lung function. Over a diverse adult population, nominal common features showed up throughout 3D MR spirometry parametric maps in healthy volunteers spontaneously breathing in supine and prone positions. Euclidian barycenter and standard deviation maps of local tidal volumes, spontaneous expiratory peak flows, and anisotropic deformation indices are presented here as the ground for a unique atlas of the lung function.
Submillimeter morphologic lung MRI at 0.55T using balanced steady-state free precession with half-radial dual-echo readout (bSTAR)
Authors: Bauman Grzegorz , Lee Nam , Tian Ye , Bieri Oliver , Nayak Krishna
Published: August 2024

In this work we explore the potential of free-breathing balanced steady-state free precession half-radial dual-echo imaging technique (bSTAR) for morphologic lung MRI in human subjects using high-performance 0.55T MR-scanner. The technique combines an efficient minimal-TR readout sampling with interleaved wobbling Archimedean spiral pole trajectories and retrospective respiratory self-gating. Lung imaging at 0.55T helped to markedly reduce off-resonance artifacts while providing an improved signal intensity and allowed for high-quality morphologic lung MRI at a submillimeter spatial resolution.
Simultaneous Head and Cervical Spinal Cord Imaging at 7T with a 16-channel transceiver loop array
Authors: Zhang Bei , Lowrance Daniel , Henning Anke
Published: August 2024

In this work, we represented 7T simultaneous brain and cervical spinal cord images with diagnostic quality. The images were acquired with a 16-channel transceiver array in a 7T 8-channel parallel transmit system which has RF shimming capability, Specifically, we acquired MP2RAGE and FLAIR images of the head and T2-weighted and GRE images of the cervical spinal cord with parameter settings in sequences for clinical applications in our center. These images show high-resolution anatomical structures and nice contrast of white and gray matters. Moreover, all these images were acquired without changing the table position or repositioning the volunteers during the scan.
Improvement of Brain MRS at 7T Using a Wireless RF Array
Authors: Alipour Akbar , Verma Gaurav , Frankini Andrew , Delman Bradley , Balchandani Priti
Published: August 2024

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can particularly benefit from substantial enhancement in SNR and spectral resolution at ultra-high field (UHF ≥7T), enabling improved quantification of metabolites. However, at 7T wavelength effects cause a highly inhomogeneous transmit magnetic field in the human brain, with lower transmit efficiency in the posterior-fossa manifesting as signal dropout in this region. Recently, we reported advantages of a surface-applied inductively-coupled radiofrequency array to improve transmit efficiency and signal sensitivity at 7T MRI focusing on cerebellum and inferior temporal lobes. Here we demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of in-vivo MRS using the array in human cerebellum at 7T.
Development of a double tuned 2H/31P whole-body birdcage transmit coil for 2H and 31P MR applications from head to toe at 7T
Authors: Gursan Ayhan , Gosselink Mark , Welting Dimitri , Froeling Martijn , Hoogduin Hans , Wiegers Evita , Klomp Dennis , Prompers Jeanine
Published: August 2024

Deuterium (2H) and phosphorus (31P) MRS are complementary methods for evaluating tissue metabolism non-invasively in vivo. Combined 2H and 31P MRS would therefore be of interest for various applications. In this work, we developed a double tuned 2H/31P whole-body birdcage transmit coil for 7T, for 2H and 31P MRS with homogeneous excitation over a large field-of-view. The B1+ variation of the whole-body birdcage coil over a body-sized phantom was 14% for 2H and 25% for 31P. Using a two-channel 2H/31P prototype receive array, we obtained high-quality 2H and 31P 3D MRSI data in the brain, liver, and lower-leg muscles.
Myofiber strain estimation using cDTI, DENSE, and feature tracking.
Authors: Moulin Kevin , Perotti Luigi , Viallon Magalie , Croisille Pierre
Published: August 2024

Myofiber strain (MS) is a promising biomarker of cardiac function, but it requires the combination of cDTI and of a 3D cardiac displacement field. Displacement fields can be measured using DENSE imaging, but with low spatial resolution and limited spatial coverage. Feature tracking (FT) allows the estimation of the displacement directly from cine imaging. In this study, myofiber strains estimated using DENSE and FT were compared on thirty healthy volunteers. The magnitude of myofiber strain calculated with DENSE was higher than with FT (MSDENSE=-0.15[-0.16;-0.14] vs MSFT=-0.11[-0.14;-0.06], p<0.001) but no correlation was found between MSDENSE and MSFT (r=0.14 p=0.47).
The Effect of Long-term Exercise Training on Metabolic Responses in Obese Zucker Fatty Diabetic Rats using Phosphorous-31 MRS
Authors: Kim Kihwan , Zhu Yuran , Abodunrin Raodatullah , Kumar Sonia , Meng Jessica , Yu Luchen , McKenzie Allison , Yu Xin
Published: August 2024

In this study, metabolic responses to 10-week treadmill exercise on obese Zucker rats were examined using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Exercise resulted in improvement in glucose tolerance and aerobic capacity (VO2max) while retaining mitochondrial oxidative capacity (MOC) and creatine kinase (CK) activity. Sedentary rats, however, showed poor glucose tolerance and reduced VO2max, which were also marked by significant changes in their MOC and CK activity.
Higher blood flow velocity pulsatility relates to increased interstitial fluid diffusivity - a potential proxy of high perivascular fluid flow
Authors: van der Thiel Merel , van den Kerkhof Marieke , Postma Alida , Backes Walter , Jansen Jacobus
Published: August 2024

Impaired cerebral waste clearance occurs in healthy ageing and various neurodegenerative diseases and is theorized to be due to compromised arterial pulsatility. Profiting from high-resolution 7 Tesla MRI, the current study investigated the association between pulsatility characteristics of a small artery in the basal ganglia (BG) with interstitial fluid (ISF) characteristics of the BG - as derived with intravoxel incoherent motion. This study found that an increased small vessel velocity pulsatility was related to higher ISF-diffusivity in the BG of an elderly sample. This increased ISF-diffusivity might represent increased perivascular fluid diffusivity, influencing the waste fluid transport out of these spaces.
Real-Time Imaging of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow with Low-Rank and Subspace Modeling
Authors: Sun Aiqi , Yin Lekang , Wang Bingyi , Lu Hengfa , Wu Peng , Zhao Bo
Published: August 2024

Quantification of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is critical for studying the physiological and pathological mechanisms of CSF dynamics and related neurological diseases. Conventional cine phase-contrast MRI provides an effective tool to quantify CSF flow, however, this method is not suitable for evaluating beat-by-beat flow variabilities associated with cardiac arrhythmia and/or respiratory regulation. This work presents a real-time flow MRI method at a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm and temporal resolution of 52 ms for assessment of CSF flow in cerebral aqueduct at 3T, which can well resolve beat-by-beat CSF flow variations. Its feasibility has been demonstrated in multiple healthy subjects.
Imaging water exchange in the choroid plexus using T2-prepared long TE Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery
Authors: Taso Manuel , Alsop David
Published: August 2024

The choroid plexus (CP) plays a key role in brain homeostasis and waste clearance as the main source of CSF production in the brain. However, this small structure sitting in the lateral ventricles is not well characterized, including its dysfunction or impairment in several pathologies or just normal aging. Water exchange measurement using various methods has been proposed to evaluate structural but also functional properties of the CP such as ASL or other spin labeling strategies mainly in rodents. In this work, we propose a new look into water exchange between CP and CSF using T2-prepared, long TE Fluid-Attenuated-Inversion-Recovery (FLAIR).
Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI ventilation textures predict short- and long-term response to Anti-IL-5Rα Biologic Therapy in Eosinophilic Asthma
Authors: McIntosh Marrissa , Sharma Maksym , Kooner Harkiran , Serajeddini Hana , Bhalla Anurag , Yamashita Cory , Parraga Grace
Published: August 2024

It was previously shown that 129Xe MR ventilation images contain embedded texture features which help predict (before treatment was initiated) those severe asthma patients who were more likely to experience early response to anti-IL-5Rα biologic therapy. Thus, we postulated that such texture features would also help identify patients with an enduring, late response. Here we identified specific 129Xe MRI features that predicted both early and late response to anti-IL-5 therapy, which were superior to clinical measurements. These promising results suggest that 129Xe MRI texture features sensitively predict patients with response to biologic therapy interventions.
Predictive Model for Breast Lesion Assessment Using Restriction Spectrum Imaging
Authors: Loubrie Stephane , Rodriguez-Soto Ana , Seibert Tyler , Hahn Michael , Dialani Vandana , Wei Catherine , Karimi Zahra , Kuperman Joshua , Dale Anders , Pisano Etta , Zou Jingjing , Rakow-Penner Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) holds great potential in improving specificity of findings detected on contrast enhanced breast MRI. Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), an advanced diffusion imaging model, has potential in discriminating between malignant and fibroglandular breast tissue. In this abstract, we evaluate RSI’s performance, combined with a random forest model, in differentiating lesions requiring biopsies from lesions that do not. The model showed significant preliminary results.
Automated Segmentation of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in FDG PET/MRI for Lymphoma Cancer Patients Using Multi-Scale Swin Transformers
Authors: Masood Anum , Knapstad Sølvi , Johansen Håkon , Husby Trine , Eikenes Live , Elschot Mattijs , Goa Pål
Published: August 2024

Automated segmentation of tumors and designing a computer-assisted diagnosis system requires co-learning of imaging features from the complementary PET/MRI. We aim to develop an automated method for the segmentation of cancer-affected lymph nodes on Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) using a modified Swin Transformer model (ST) integrated with a novel Multi-Scale Feature Fusion & Reorganization Module (MSFFRM). Our results with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) datasets show that our proposed model ST-MSFFRM achieved better performance in lesion segmentation in comparison to other state-of-the-art segmentation methods.
Multi-parametric radiomics of MRI for preoperative assessment of microvascular invasion and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lili , Lei Junqiang , Li Junfeng , Guo Shunlin , Wang Gang , Wang Rui
Published: August 2024

To preoperatively predict MVI in HCC patients, this study developed and validated an MVI nomogram prediction model that reveals the features derived from tumor and peritumor tissue of different sequences in Gd-EOB-DTPA dynamic contrast-enhanced MR and combines the clinical and radiological signatures. The nomogram included AFP, capsule appearance, arterial peritumoral enhancement, RVI, and radiomics score, which were independent risk factors for MVI. Finally, this nomogram model achieved satisfactory performance in predicting MVI in both the training and validation cohorts. Moreover, the RFS of the nomogram model was similar to the histopathology outcome.
Non-invasively and Pre-Operatively Evaluate the Micro-Vascular Invasion with Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging based Radiomics Strategy
Authors: Geng Zhijun , Zhang Yunfei , Dai Yongming , Xie Chuanmiao
Published: August 2024

MVI has widely been considered as an important prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to non-invasively identify MVI in HCC with susceptibility-weighted-imaging (SWI)-derived radiomics. The results indicated that SWI-derived radiomics are valuable for noninvasively and accurately identifying the MVI status of HCC. Furthermore, the integration of radiomics and clinical factors yielded a predictive nomogram with satisfying diagnostic performance and potential clinical benefits.
Multi-parametric MRI-based Peritumoral Radiomics for Stage IIA and IIB Classification of Cervical Cancer：A Multicenter Study
Authors: Fang Jin , Zhang Xiao , Liang Xiaoyun , Huang Feng , Zhang Shuixing
Published: August 2024

Appropriate management and treatment decisions for cervical cancer depend on accurate staging, but the differentiation between IIA and IIB by imaging assessment remains difficult. This retrospective study investigated the performance of intratumoral and peritumoral multi-parameter MRI texture information in differentiating IIA and IIB using non-invasive radiomics analysis, which was also compared with clinical factors and imaging assessment by radiologists. Among all the comparisons, peritumoral-based radiomics models outperformed the radiologists and performed the best. This study offers a viable approach in non-invasively and accurately differentiating IIA and IIB for cervical cancer based on peritumoral texture information.
Assessment of IVIM-DKI for characterization of benign and malignant lymph nodes in lymphoma
Authors: Malagi Archana , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Pushpam Deepam , Khare Kedar , Sharma Raju , Kumar Rakesh , Bakhshi Sameer , Mehndiratta Amit
Published: August 2024

Intravoxel Incoherent motion-diffusion kurtosis imaging (IVIM-DKI) was used for evaluation and characterization of malignant lymph nodes in lymphoma. A total of twenty-one (n=21) patients diagnosed with biopsy proven Hodgkin lymphoma(HL: n=13) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL: n=8) were prospectively evaluated. IVIM-DKI parameters were estimated using standard IVIM-DKI model (standard model) and IVIM-DKI model with total variation(TV) penalty function method(IDTV model). Perfusion fraction (f) and kurtosis (k) estimated using IDTV model, and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) were significantly(p<0.05) lower in malignant lymph nodes than benign lymph nodes. f and k showed high AUC of 0.88 and 0.83, respectively for malignant vs. benign lymph nodes.
31P and 1H MRS for in vivo metabolic profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Wenger Katharina , Alcicek Seyma , Pilatus Ulrich , Thomas Dennis , Hattingen Elke , Buettner Florian , Loth Andreas , Oellerich Thomas
Published: August 2024

With the presented protocol, key metabolites related to different metabolic profiles of aggressive lymphomas (such as lactate, alanine, as a surrogate for pyruvate, as well as choline components) can be detected in vivo in a clinical setting.
Quantification of Acute and Chronic Fibrosis in Gynecologic and Prostate Cancer over the course of Radiotherapy
Authors: Sheikh Khadija , Viswanathan Akila , Song Daniel , Tokuda Junichi , Lee Junghoon , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Graham Mindy , Seethamraju Ravi , Benkert Thomas , Bhat Himanshu , Daniels Bruce , Schmidt Ehud
Published: August 2024

We developed means to quantify the volume and voxel-wise fraction of acute (FA) and chronic fibrosis (FC) present during and following radiation therapy (RT), using non-contrast and contrast enhanced stack-of-spirals IR-UTE scans. Imaging was performed in gynecologic and prostate cancer patients at multiple time points in relation to RT (pre-RT, on-RT, post-RT, and post-3 months RT). This study provides mm-resolution quantitative information on fibrosis changes during the course of RT based on MRI. Increases in FA, followed by subsequent-time FC increases were observed in both prostate and gynecologic cancer patients.
The Added Value of Reduced Field-of-view IRIS-DWI Sequence for T2WI Sequence in T Staging of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Ziyou , Wang Chong , Zhang Haini , Zeng Jianwei , Liu Zhongxiao , Xu Wenbei , Qiu Shenman , Zhang Yanchun , Wang Hao , Wu Peng , Meng Yankai , Xu Kai
Published: August 2024

We aimed to evaluate the added value of reduced field-of-view (rFOV) IRIS-DWI sequence for T2WI sequence in evaluating T staging of rectal cancer. ROC analysis showed the diagnosis performance based on T2WI + rFOV IRIS-DWI imaging was superior to single T2WI sequence. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity were 0.928, 93.3%, 91.7% and 0.658, 73.3%, 58.3% for two diagnosis methods respectively. The result showed significant difference between two methods with P = 0.002. rFOV IRIS-DWI combined T2WI imaging could provide higher diagnosis confidence and higher diagnosis accuracy for rectal cancer T staging.
Discriminating Locally advanced and Metastatic Lung Cancer using Restriction Spectrum Imaging and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Model
Authors: Xiong Zhongyan , Luo Yu , Yang Yang , Wang Meiyun , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Zou Chao
Published: August 2024

A novel diffusion weighted imaging model called restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) captures the distinct diffusion behavior of tumors. The restricted diffusion correlates to tumor cellularity, a potential indicator of cancer aggressiveness. To assess its capability of characterizing lung cancer metastasis, we applied a three-compartment RSI model and intravoxel incoherent motion model to DWI images of locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer patients with the diagnosis of biopsy. The RSI model demonstrated its ability to discriminate the lung cancer of locally advanced (III) and metastatic (IV) stage, and the results outperforms the traditional IVIM model.
Pathological changes of the coronary microvascular dysfunction pig models based on diffuse tensor imaging (DTI)
Authors: Ren Zilong , Wen Didi , Lian Jianxiu , Zheng Minwen
Published: August 2024

To investigate whether diffuse tensor imaging (DTI) can be used as a predictor for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Pig models with CMD had higher mean diffusivity (MD), lower FA, and lower E2A compared with normal pigs (mean MDnormal = 1.50 ± 0.02, mean MDCMD = 1.65 ± 0.02, P = 0.001; mean FAnormal = 0.35 ± 0.01, mean FACMD = 0.27 ± 0.01, P < 0.001; mean E2Anormal = 53.33 ± 0.88, mean E2ACMD = 46.57 ± 1, P = 0.004). Cardiac DTI technology could add benefits of offering microstructure change and cardiac remodeling parameters for CMD pig models.
Assessing pulsatility ratio in different sized cerebral arterial vessels across varying levels of blood pressure
Authors: Kim Tae , Gianaros Peter
Published: August 2024

Pulsatility derived from the BOLD signal was used to assess the relationship of pulsatility damping in different sized cerebral arterial vessels across levels of blood pressure. Individuals with higher blood pressure exhibit reduced cerebrovascular compliance, and less damping of BOLD pulsatility among these individuals may be a potential indicator of cerebrovascular pathogenesis.
“Hot cross bun” Sign Grades Means Different White Matter Changes in MSA-C: A Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging Study
Authors: Shi Chuanying , Wu Peng , Luan Jixin , Zhao Xiance
Published: August 2024

White matter (WM) changes play an important role in the progression of multiple system atrophy cerebellar type (MSA-C), and doctors need an imaging marker to grade the WM alterations. We observed different WM alterations between MSA-C patients with unclear “hot cross bun” sign (HCBs) and patients with complete HCBs, using NODDI, analyzed by TBSS. Compared with healthy controls, patients with complete HCBs showed broader different regions of intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) than ones with unclear HCBs, and meanwhile, difference of orientation dispersion index (ODI) and isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF) were only shown in complete HCBs ones. Difference of ICVF between patients with unclear and complete HCBs was also obvious. All of these findings indicated HCBs might be an imaging marker to assess the WM changes in MSA patients.
Brain alterations in ovariohysterectomized rats revealed by diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Peng Shin-Lei , Huang Sheng-Min , Chan Chun-Chieh
Published: August 2024

Women undergoing hysterectomy with oophorectomy have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, postoperative neuroimaging data on pathogenic processes in the brain are limited. This study was aimed to investigate the potential effect of ovariohysterectomy on brain integrity in the rat model using diffusion tensor imaging technique. Compared to the control group, the ovariohysterectomy group showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum, bilateral striatum, and bilateral cortex, suggesting neuronal injury in ovariohysterectomized rats. Therefore, neuroimaging should be performed to monitor brain alterations in women after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy in clinical settings.
Evaluation of the anterior visual pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with optical coherence tomography and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Yali , Yang Yuan , Wu Hongyu
Published: August 2024

Involvement of the visual pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been demonstrated. However, the exact damage mechanisms such as how the changes in the distinct parts of the anterior visual pathway (AVP) are still poorly understood and remain highly controversial. We observed altered RNFL, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and relative anisotropy of AVP by the multimodal use of optical coherence tomography and DTI in ALS individuals compared to the controls. Our findings shed light on the dynamic pathophysiological effects on the morphology of the AVP and the potential association between microstructural damage to the AVP and executive function.
Cortical thickness alterations in patients with T2DM and its correlation with cerebral small vessel diseases and cognitive function
Authors: Zhao Jinghan , Liu YangYingqiu , Du wei , Jiang Yuhan , Sun Peng , Wang Weiwei , Miao Yanwei
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the changes of cortical thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the correlation between the thinning cerebral regions and cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD) burden. The thickness of the left medial orbitofrontal cortex was negatively correlated with the centrum semi-ovale enlarged perivascular space (CSO-EPVS) score and CSVD total burden score. The thickness of the left lateral occipital cortex was negatively correlated with CSO-EPVS score, basal ganglia enlarged perivascular space (BG-EPVS) score, and CSVD total burden score, and positively correlated with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) delayed memory score.
Detecting longitudinal alterations of cerebral white matter associated with breast cancer and chemotherapy using GQI
Authors: Chuang Wei , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Weng Jun-Cheng
Published: August 2024

In 2020, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer and has the highest incident rate in women worldwide. The extensively used adjuvant chemotherapy might have detrimental effect on human brain and results in chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CICI) in breast cancer patients. The present study performed longitudinal design, aiming to investigate the microstructural and macroscale white matter alterations by generalized q-sampling imaging (GQI). Our results suggested that the patients had changes in local white matter integrity and network performance in DAN before treatment and frontal lobe connection after treatment.
Anisotropic and Isotropic Kurtosis Estimation of Spinal Cord Microstructure in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hori Masaaki , Hagiwara Akifumi , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Fukunaga Issei , Sano Katsuhiro , Kamagata Koji , Murata Katsutoshi , Fujita Shohei , Andica Christina , Wada Akihiko , Kamiya Kouhei , Cohen-Adad Julien , Aoki Shigeki
Published: August 2024

We investigated the microstructural changes in the spinal cords of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) using anisotropic kurtosis and isotropic kurtosis (Kiso) derived from 2-shell single diffusion encoding (SDE) MRI data with spherical mean techniques (SMT) and mean signal diffusion kurtosis imaging. There was a significant difference in Kiso between MS and NMOSD at the level of C4 (P=0.032, Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction). Therefore, Kiso derived from 2-shell SDE data might potentially be useful for evaluating the spinal cord microstructure in MS and NMOSD patients.