bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved TSE imaging at Ultra-High Field using Non-localized Efficiency Shimming and Acquisition of Modes Optimized for Refocused Echo (AMORE)
Authors: He Xiaoxuan , Schmidt Simon , Zbyn Stefan , Haluptzok Tobey , Moeller Steen , Metzger Gregory
Published: August 2023

To mitigate B1+ inhomogeneity at ultra-high field (UHF), we propose a novel non-localized efficiency shim and utilize this to optimize for T2W TSE contrast in a technique termed Acquisitions of Modes Optimized for Refocused Echo (AMORE). A non-localized efficiency shim is ideal for turbo spin echo (TSE) or fast spin echo (FSE) imaging of smaller anatomical targets such as brain and knee, while AMORE is an optimized TIAMO for improved TSE imaging in the torso by ensuring the desired B1+ is achieved. With AMORE two phase-only modes appear sufficient to mitigate the B1+ shadings and nulls in the interior torso.
Rendering MRI Coils Less Visible in MR images
Authors: Motovilova Elizaveta , Huerta Frida Galaviz , Vincent Jana , Shin James , Tan Ek Tsoon , Robb Fraser , Taracila Victor , Sneag Darryl , Winkler Simone
Published: August 2023

It is commonly undesirable to see an RF coil in MR images. Novel research into innovative coil designs often involves the use of new materials that can be visible in MR images. In this abstract, we address this limitation by doping the coil substrate with Magnevist, drawing from a little-known phenomenon of signal hypointensity via T2-shortening for large concentrations of gadolinium-based (Gd) contrast agents that is especially applicable to hydrogen-rich materials. We show successful reduction of MR signal of >60% using our previously developed stretchable, liquid-metal based Ecoflex coil (6) using relaxometry measurements and in vitro experiments.
A 24-channel vacuum formed pediatric pTx knee coil for 7T
Authors: Waks Matt , Gopalan Karthik , Zbyn Stefan , DelaBarre Lance , Kajabi Abdul Wahed , Maravilla Julian , Adriany Gregor , Lustig Michael (Miki) , Arias Ana , Ellermann Jutta
Published: August 2023

A pediatric focused 24-channel prototype pTx 7T knee coil consisting of an 8 channel stripline transceiver and a 16-channel close fitting receiver array is described. Initial comparison with an adult size knee coil indicates peripheral SNR gains and more modest - yet notable- gains for central SNR due to the favorable filling factor and form fitting receivers of the pediatric knee coil prototype.
7 Tesla 16-channel transceiver loop array for simultaneous head and cervical spinal cord imaging
Authors: Zhang Bei , Lowrance Daniel , Geldschläger Ole , Henning Anke
Published: August 2023

Simultaneous assessment of the brain and the cervical spinal cord is of great importance in clinical decision making in areas such as head & neck cancer, traumatic injury, multiple sclerosis or stroke. The small diameter of the cervical spinal cord necessitates high spatial resolution, so there is a growing need to provide 7T simultaneous head and cervical spinal cord imaging, to greatly benefit from increased signal-to-noise ratio and contrast at ultrahigh field. In this work, we developed a 7T 16ch transceiver array that is capable for simultaneous and high-resolution brain and cervical spinal cord imaging.
B1+ efficiency of a single-loop dual-frequency surface coil for proton and deuterium or oxygen-17 magnetic resonance imaging at 16.4T
Authors: Zhang Guangle , Zhu Wei , Li Xin , Wang Tao , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Chen Wei
Published: August 2023

We compared the B1 efficiency of a newly developed dual-frequency surface coil operating at proton and low-g X-nuclei frequencies at 16.4T with that of traditional proton coil and X-nuclei coil, respectively. Both simulation and experimental results revealed that the B1 field strength of the new coil was similar to that of traditional coil at deuterium or oxygen-17 frequency though was significantly reduced at proton frequency, while their B1 distributions were identical for both proton and deuterium/oxygen-17 frequencies. The efficacy of the new coil for in-vivo deuterium metabolic imaging applications was demonstrated in normal and tumor rat brains.
Characterizing the relative performance of a 13C/31P surface coil for simultaneously studying metabolism and energetics
Authors: Vaidya Manushka , Zhang Bei , Hong DongHyun , Brown Ryan , Batsios Georgios , Viswanath Pavithra , Paska Jan , Wulf Gerburg , Grant Aaron , Ronen Sabrina , Larson Peder
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the performance of a 13C/31P surface coil designed to detect metabolism and energetics data in the same scan session. Individually tuned coils were constructed to compare the performance of both channels of the multinuclear coil. Performance metrics such as Q ratio, SNR, flip angle maps, and transmit efficiency were measured. Our results demonstrate a decrease in performance of the 13C channel of the multinuclear coil. Removing the LCC trap circuit, used to decouple the channels, improved the Q ratio and SNR efficiency of the 13C channel. For future work, designs without a LCC trap circuit should be considered.
Motion Correction for Myocardial T1 Mapping using Self-supervised Deep Learning Registration with Contrast Separation
Authors: Li Yuze , Wu Chunyan , Qi Haikun , Si Dongyue , Ding Haiyan , Chen Huijun
Published: August 2023

A motion correction method for myocardial T1 mapping using Self-supervised Deep learning based Registration with contrAst seParation (SDRAP) was proposed. A sparse coding based method was firstly proposed to separate the contrast component from T1w images. Then, a self-supervised deep neural network was developed to register contrast separated images, followed by the signal fitting to generate motion corrected T1 maps. Models were trained and tested in 47 healthy volunteers using MOLLI sequence, and compared with Free Form Deformation method. Results showed the proposed method can achieve better performance in registration and T1 mapping with higher efficiency (7x acceleration).
Convolutional neural networks to differentiate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from hypertensive heart disease based on cardiac cine imaging
Authors: Liu Qiming , Chai Yezi , Jiang Meng , Hu Chenxi
Published: August 2023

Differentiating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is important yet challenging. In this study, we compared 9 convolutional neural network (CNN) models based on cardiac MR cine imaging only for differentiation of the two diseases. We show that the dynamic information contained in cine about myocardial contraction and relaxation is crucial for accurate differentiation. By leveraging this information, we achieved a testing accuracy of 86.8% ± 3.5% in a cohort including 190 HCM and 113 HHD subjects. The results show that cine-based CNN is reasonably accurate for differentiation of HCM and HHD.
Deep learning based whole heart T2-weighted dark blood imaging in a single breath hold
Authors: Yan Xianghu , Huang Lu , Ran Lingping , Luo Yi , Bao Yuwei , Zhang Shuheng , Zhang Shiyu , Ye Yongquan , Xu Jian , Xia Liming
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T2-weighted dark blood (T2W-DB) imaging has great diagnostic value for detecting myocardial edema. In this study, a novel deep learning based acceleration framework (AI-assisted Compressed Sensing, ACS) was applied to a single-shot T2W-DB sequence for single breath-hold whole heart (9 slices) imaging. Both quantitative and qualitative assessment of the images suggested that the ACS T2-DB sequence offered better image quality with greatly reduced total scan time and the simplified scanning workflow.
Sub-aortic Complex is a Simple and Accurate Parameter to Predict Obstruction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A CMR and Doppler Study
Authors: Chen Zixian , Lei Junqiang , Guo Shunlin , Zhang Zheng , Zhao Shihua , Lu Minjie
Published: August 2023

To investigate the “sub-aortic complex (SAC)”, a new cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived parameter, for the detection and grading of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, compared with echocardiography and CMR 2D flow.
Non-Contrast Time-Resolved MR Angiography with Consecutive Beam Pulse with Variable Saturation Flip Angle
Authors: Kan Hirohito , Mizuno Kyosuke , Takizawa Masahiro , Shimohira Masashi , Kawai Tatsuya , Aoki Tositaka , Tsubokura Satoshi , Kasai Harumasa
Published: August 2023

To develop and validate the non-contrast time-resolved MR angiography (NC TR-MRA) with consecutive beam pulse with variable saturation flip angle method, we performed a phantom study using steady flow and the volunteer study targeted to the pulmonary artery. The length of visualized flow signals was exhibited proportional to the number of beam saturation pulses in the phantom study. In human study, the visualization range of the pulmonary artery was also extended with increasing the number of beam pulses. The novel consecutive beam pulse with variable saturation flip angle method can depict blood vessels in each flow phase.
The impact factors of the Quality of non-contrast agent Coronary angiography at 3.0T Magnetic Resonance
Authors: He Junjing , Yue Xiuzheng , Zhang Gang , Xing Wei , Li Tingting , Hu Yufu , Wang Yuhan
Published: August 2023

This study explores impact factors of the quality of 3.0T non-contrast agent magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA), and uses an objective standard for assessing the image quality. A retrospective review was conducted on 72 patients who successfully completed 3.0T MRCA, and the correlation between their image quality and their clinical data, scan sequence, parameter settings, imaging technology and other factors were analyzed.The study found that BMI and respiratory motion were the key factors that affect the quality of non- contrast agent coronary MRA on 3.0T MRI. The mDixon-TFE imaging method can be used for MRCA as a routine scanning sequence.
The application of whole-heart coronary MRA with compressed sensing in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: XIONG FENG , Wu Yang , Zhang Longyan , Ma Xiaojing , Yu Ke , Sun Peng , LI Haixia
Published: August 2023

The whole-heart coronary MRA with compressed sensing (CS) technique is a novelly noninvasive, contrast agent-free, and radiation-free technique for evaluating coronary artery disease[2] [3].Patients with atrial fibrillation have irregular heartbeat, which brings uncertainty to the coronary MRA image quality. Results of this study indicated that there was no statistical difference in coronary artery image quality with CS acceleration factors of 2, 4, 6 between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation patients, which suggested that whole-heart coronary MRA with CS technique could also be applied inpatients with atrial fibrillation.
Middle Cerebral Artery Morphologies Associated with White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Yang Zidong , Wang Bei , Huo Yajing , Lv Huihui , Chen Zhensen , Han Yan , Wang He
Published: August 2023

The current report summarizes the morphological characteristics of middle cerebral artery quantified from MRA scans in a large sample of older Chinese population and shows that higher M1 radius is an independent predictor of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Furthermore, as the pathological changes resulting in white matter lesions are heterogeneous, the current study suggest that the spatial distribution patterns of WMH could reflect the underpinning pathological mechanisms, though further studies are required.
The feasibility of evaluating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by using diffusion weighted imaging and T2* mapping
Authors: Liu Shengliang , Lian Jianxiu , Jiang Ke , Wang Guokun , Li Yunling , Wang Xueying , Zhao Yanming , Xu Bing , Yu Bo
Published: August 2023

Acute myocardial infarction is the result of occlusion of cardiac arteries, which leads to myocardial ischemic injury and even necrosis. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and T2* mapping were performed to investigate the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2* values in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients here. ADC values of infarct regions were higher than those in border regions, remote regions in patients with STEMI, and also higher when compared with control group. Conversely, T2* values showed opposite trend. What’s more, there was a negative correlation between T2* and ADC values (r = 0.-734; P < .001).
Non-contrast enhanced spatially-selective and time-resolved vessel imaging by using cylinder-shaped pre-saturation pulse train in the Lung
Authors: Takizawa Masahiro , Nishihara Takashi , Moriwake Chikako
Published: August 2023

Cylinder-shaped pre-saturation pulse train is developed for non-contrast enhanced spatially-selective and time-resolved vessel imaging. The target vessel is selected by cylinder-shaped pre-saturation, and the dynamics of blood flow in the target vessel is observed by changing the number of applied pre-saturation pulses. The developed pulse train was demonstrated to visualize dynamics of a target pulmonary vessel in the lung.
Deep learning for term neonate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy diagnosis on structural brain MR images: a retrospective study
Authors: Gan Tongjia , Zhu Wenzhen , Shi Jingjing , Lv Wenzhi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to diagnose objectively term neonate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by using deep learning network to extract deep information from multiple modalities of conventional magnetic resonance (MR) images. Neonate HIE diagnosis accuracy is restricted to lesion diversity, MR images quality, high interobserver variability. The network got high diagnosis accuracy in the ROC curve. The network could detect severe neonate HIE with characteristic appearance such as basal ganglia injury and periventricular leukomalacia. The network can help diagnosis neonate HIE objectively without the effect of different radiologist experience and contribute to risk stratification and clinical decision making.
Aberrant Spontaneous Brain Activity in Coronary Heart Disease: A Preliminary Resting-State Functional MRI Study.
Authors: Lin Simin , Wu PuYeh , Zhao Hengyu
Published: August 2023

Coronary heart disease is an urgent, rapidly-developing disease with high disability and mortality. Previous studies indicated that CHD patients exhibited an increased risk of mild cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Here we collected rs-fMRI data to assess global brain activity in CHD patients and controls by measuring fALFF. We demonstrated that CHD patients occur abnormal brain activity in left precentral/postcentral gyrus and right inferior cerebellum, which is mainly related to sensorimotor network and pain processing. Spontaneous brain activity abnormalities may contribute to understanding underlying neurological mechanisms of CHD.
In silico liver resection to estimate global and regional hepatobiliary function
Authors: Simonsson Christian , Bartholomä Wolf Claus , Larsson Anna Lindhoff , Karlsson Markus , Norén Bengt , Cedersund Gunnar , Sandström Per , Dahlström Nils , Lundberg Peter
Published: August 2023

In some cases, treatment of severe liver diseases requires resective surgery. This brings serious complications if the remnant tissue fails to match the requirement of liver function. Therefore, a pre-operative risk assessment is vital. However, usually the assessment only investigates global liver function. For a more precise assessment, we investigate the possibility of using DCE-MRI in combination with pharmacokinetic modeling to quantify both global- and regional liver function. Also, we show a novel eight-compartment hepatic model, capable of performing an in-silico resection. This framework might in the future be used as a tool for a more precise pre-operative assessment.
Deep Learning Method Based Automatic Subtraction of Liver DCE-MR Images
Authors: Geng Zhijun , Wu Botong , Liu Tiantian , Yu Niange , Zheng Dandan , Guo Hua , Xie Chuanmiao
Published: August 2023

Subtraction images are an important part of routine multi-phase contrast-enhanced MRI for characterizing enhancement of lesions which are intrinsically hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging. Successful subtraction MRI is dependent on precise 3D co-registration of the pre- and contrast-enhanced source data. However, there still lack a robust, convenient, time efficient and labor free method for automatically image subtraction. This study developed a deep learning based nonrigid registration algorithm, measure the improvement in displacement after registration using anatomic landmarks and automatically generate the subtraction liver images.
Differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic metastasis (HM) by mDIXON quant and IVIM imaging
Authors: Ren Xue , Wang Jiazheng , Lin Liangjie , Wu Zhigang , Song Qingwei , Pu Renwang , Chen Lihua , Zhao Ying , Lin Tao , Xu Qihao , Liu Ailian
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic metastasis (HM) are associated with distinct treatment and prognosis, while the differential diagnosis of HCC and HM still remains challenging. This study aims to explore the value of mDIXON quant and IVIM imaging in the differential diagnosis of HCC and HM. Results shown that the combination of R2*and IVIM measurements may offer a good biomarker for differential diagnosis of HCC and HM.
The value of different diffusion models in evaluating liver regeneration after standard partial hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Qiu caixin , xie shuangshuang , Sun yajie , Yu yongquan , Wang xuyang , Zhu jinxia , Robert Grimm , Shen wen
Published: August 2023

Different diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) models were used to evaluate microscopic changes of residual liver in rats after standard partial hepatectomy (70%PH). Multiple b-value DWI at multiple timepoints after 70%PH were acquired, and the data was analyzed using three diffusion models: conventional monoexponential DWI, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) models. Compared with the monoexponential model of DWI, IVIM and DKI models can describe the changes of blood supply in the process of liver regeneration and provide added value in evaluating the microstructure of liver regeneration after standard partial hepatectomy.
Reliability Assessment of IVIM Imaging with Different b-values in Evaluating Myometrium Invasion of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Ying , Zhang Chen , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: August 2023

The incidence of Endometrial Carcinoma (EC) has occupied the first place among malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. This study aims to explore the reliability of different b-values of IVIM-MRI in evaluating the myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer using advanced ZOOMit technique. The results showed that group A was the highest, group B was the second, and group C was the lowest in evaluating consistency and repeatability of D value, D* value and fp value. It indicated diagnostic is related to b values combinations of IVIM imaging for EC.
The differential value of the combination of DWI and T2 mapping in the identification of prostatic hyperplasia from prostatic cancer.
Authors: Li Xiwei , Chen Lihua , Song Qingwei , Sun Peng , Liu Ailian
Published: August 2023

DWI plays an important role in the diagnosis of prostate cancer by detecting water molecules diffusion noninvasively, which reflects the microstructure of tumor tissue. However, only DWI might be limited by low sensitivity and specificity. T2 mapping imaging is a quantitative imaging technology to map the transverse relaxation time of tissues with good repeatability and stability. T2 mapping is also sensitive to tissue components (such as edema, fibrosis) without a contrast agent. This study aims to differentiate prostate cancers from hyperplasia by combining DWI and T2 mapping.
T2-weighted imaging with deep learning reconstruction as an alternative method for prostate imaging: a preliminary study
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhu Jinxia , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Liu Ming , Li Chunmei , Chen Min
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this research is to explore the clinical performance of T2-weighted imaging with deep learning reconstruction (DL-T2WI) for prostate imaging. We compared DL-T2WI and conventional T2WI using TSE (C-T2WI) in terms of image quality, ghosting and tumor conspicuity. The results showed that compared with C-T2WI, DL-T2WI has comparable image quality, ghosting, and tumor conspicuity. The acquisition time of the complete examination using DL-T2WI is 9 minutes shorter than C-T2WI per patient, which suggests that DL-T2WI could replace C-T2WI in clinical settings, with a significantly shorter examination time.
Application of synthetic MRI to diagnose benign and malignant breast masses: APTw imaging combined with T1 Mapping and DWI imaging
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhang Zhen , Wang Rui , Yue Xiuzheng , Zhu Rongrong , Ha Ruoshui
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer to become the world's largest cancer for the first time, and the cancer mortality rate ranks second, showing a younger trend in recent years. APTw imaging, as a noninvasive molecular imaging technique, can measure the concentration of free proteins and polypeptides in tissues without the use of exogenous contrast agents, based on a chemical exchange between amide protons and water protons. The aim of study was to explore the diagnostic efficacy for benign and malignant breast tumor by using synthetic MRI.
The feasibility of using magnetic resonance elastography for differentiation of benign and malignant solid pancreatic masses
Authors: Chen Jiejun , Liu Dingxia , Zhang Shujie , Sun Wei , Guo Yinglong , Zhang Yunfei , Dai Yongming , Yao Xiuzhong
Published: August 2023

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an emerging functional MR technique. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as one of the most lethal diseases, accounts for 85–90% of all malignant pancreatic tumors. Histologically, PDAC is a hard mass characterized by a marked desmoplastic reaction and build-up of fibrotic tissues. In this study, we aim to evaluate the usefulness of 2D spin-echo echo-planar-imaging (SE-EPI) MRE for differentiation of solid pancreatic masses. Our results showed that compared with benign pancreatic masses, PDAC demonstrated higher mass stiffness and stiffness.
Diagnostic values and agreement of Gadoxetic Acid-enhanced MRI and Dual Tracer PET/CT (18F-FDG and 11C-Acetate) in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ka Solomon , Lo Gladys , Lo Christine , Xue Cindy
Published: August 2023

The diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are mostly made at advanced stage, which is associated with unfavorable prognosis and suboptimal survival. While dual-tracer PET/CT (dt-PET/CT) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI are effective in detecting liver lesions, diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in identifying small HCC lesions compared with dt-PET/CT remains unclear. Here, we compare the sensitivity and specificity of each imaging modality to diagnose HCC. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI has higher sensitivity in detecting HCC lesions than using dt-PET/CT, especially in smaller HCC lesions. Thus, gadoxetic acid-MRI could provide clinical value in the early diagnosis of HCC.
A risk stratification scoring system for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer using multiparametric MRI
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Yang Jiada , Fan Nina , Yang Zhiqi , Huang Ruibin , Li Yue , Wan Cuixia , Gong Junhao , Liao Yuting , Li Guijin , Wang Mengzhu , Cheng Fengyan , Chen Xiangguang , Dai Zhuozhi , Fan Weixiong
Published: August 2023

This study developed and validated a point-based scoring system (PSS) for stratifying the axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis risk of breast cancer (BC) based on preoperative clinicopathological and MRI features compared with MRI-reported ALN status model and to explore its prognostic significance. The PSS in our study provides an easy tool for surgeons to assess breast cancer patients' risk for ALN metastasis prior to surgery. And the results showed that PSS had a relatively better performance than MRI-reported ALN status model (P=0.045),with a higher AUC, accuracy, and specificity, suggesting that PSS can be routinely used in axillary nodal staging.
Quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI for predicting lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Zhiqi , Lai Tianfu , Chen Xiaofeng , Huang Ruibin , Yang Weichao , Liao Yuting , Wang Mengzhu , Li Guijin , Dai Zhuozhi , Chen Xiangguang
Published: August 2023

The optimal biomarkers for the diagnosis of breast lymphovascular invasion have not yet been found. DCE-MRI features can evaluate the tumor microenvironment which is related to LVI. This study explored the independent predictor of LVI, as well as developed and validated the parametric combined prediction model for the diagnosis of lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer using quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI. The prediction model based on Kep and N stage could improve the performance of LVI prediction, compared to clinicopathological or magnetic resonance parameters.
Constructing XGboost prediction model based on 3.0T diffusion kurtosis imaging improves the diagnostic performance for breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Han , Tang Wan , Quan Tianhong , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Huanian , Fu Zijie , Wu Renhua , Lin Yan
Published: August 2023

This study demonstrated that MK derived from DKI was performed better than MD, ADC, Ve, Kep and Ktrans for differentiating between benign and malignant BLs. Also, MK has great potentialities in predict histological grades, lymph node status and Ki-67 expression of BCs. Finally, a XGboost model was constructed by combining MD, MK, age, shape and menstrual status, which exhibited superior diagnostic performance for BC characterization and an improved assessment of BLs. The findings of current study will aid the development of a novel noninvasive approach for BC screening and clinical diagnosis, therefore reducing unnecessary biopsies and patient`s anxiety.
Breast amide proton transfer imaging at 3T: diagnostic performance and correlation with pathologic characteristics
Authors: Liu Zhou , Wen Jie , Wang Meng , Ren Ya , Yang Qian , Qian Long , Luo Honghong , He Cuiju , Wu Yin , Luo Dehong
Published: August 2023

To date, great efforts have been made to investigate the performance of APT imaging in breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis, but with discrepant findings. Hence, this study aims to investigate the diagnostic performance and association of APT imaging with clinical-pathologic characteristics of breast cancer in a relatively large cohort of patients at 3T. Results showed significantly higher APTw signals in malignant lesions than that in benign ones, and high histologic grade, T stage and proliferation Ki-67 index in breast cancer patients. The results confirm the usefulness of APT imaging in the differentiation of lesion malignancy and the prediction of prognosis.
Gadolinium-free Contrast-enhanced MRI (GFCE-MRI) Synthesis via Generalizable MHDgN-Net for Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Wen , Lam Saikit , Xiao Haonan , Li Tian , Ren Ge , Zhi Shaohua , Teng Xinzhi , Liu Chenyang , Zhang Jiang , Lee Francis , Au Kwok-hung , Lee Victor , Chang Amy , Cai Jing
Published: August 2023

We have developed and validated a MHDgN-Net for gadolinium-free contrast-enhanced MRI (GFCE-MRI) synthesis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The developed MHDgN-Net was featured with high generalizability. We first modelled the MHDgN-Net using three hospital datasets to improve the diversity of training samples. Then, the external hospital data was matched to the distribution of training dataset by EDM. Compared to traditional models, the proposed MHDgN-Net can accurately enhance tumor and significantly improve the quality of GFCE-MRI when applying to external hospital data. This technique holds great potential in providing a generalizable gadolinium-free tumor enhancement alternative on data from other hospitals.
An accelerated magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence for 3D T1 mapping based on magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE)
Authors: Wang Xinpei , Zhang Jichang , Wang Chengbo
Published: August 2023

Plenty of studies have reported correlations between the tissue pathological changes and abnormal T1 value. However, T1 mapping pulse sequences often suffer from the B1 inhomogeneity and long scan time. To improve the time efficiency without leading to the worse robustness to B1 inhomogeneity, we develop an accelerated MPRAGE-based 3D T1 mapping method by using SPGR steady state. Our proposed method is demonstrated in phantom experiments and the preliminary in-vivo brain scan.
Automated IDH genotype prediction pipeline using multimodal domain adaptive segmentation (MDAS) model
Authors: Zeng Hailong , Xu Lina , Xing Zhen , Huang Wanrong , Su Yan , Chen Zhong , Cao Dairong , Wu Zhigang , Cai Shuhui , Cai Congbo
Published: August 2023

Mutation status of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in gliomas exhibits distinct prognosis. It poses challenges to jointly perform tumor segmentation and gene prediction directly using label-deprived multi-parametric MR images from clinics . We propose a novel multimodal domain adaptive segmentation (MDAS) framework, which derives unsupervised segmentation of tumor foci by learning data distribution between public dataset with labels and label-free targeted dataset. High-level features of radiomics and deep network are combined to manage IDH subtyping. Experiments demonstrate that our method adaptively aligns dataset from both domains with more tolerance toward distribution discrepancy during segmentation procedure and obtains competitive genotype prediction performance.
Correlated and specific features fusion based on attention mechanism for grading hepatocellular carcinoma with Contrast-enhanced MR
Authors: Li Shangxuan , Wang Guangyi , Zhang Lijuan , Zhou Wu
Published: August 2023

Contrast-enhanced MR plays an important role in the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, we propose an attention-based common and specific features fusion network (ACSF-net) for grading HCC with Contrast-enhanced MR. Specifically, we introduce the correlated and individual components analysis to extract the common and specific features of Contrast-enhanced MR. Moreover, we propose an attention-based fusion module to adaptively fuse the common and specific features for better grading. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ACSF-net outperforms previously reported multimodality fusion methods for grading HCC. In addition, the weighting coefficient may have great potential for clinical interpretation.
A multi-output deep learning algorithm to improve brain lesion segmentation by enhancing the resistance of variabilities in tissue contrast
Authors: Li Yi-Tien , Chung Hsiao-Wen , Chen David
Published: August 2023

We propose a multi-output segmentation approach, which incorporates other non-lesion brain tissue maps into the additional output layers to force the model to learn more about the lesion and tissue characteristics. We construct a cross-vendor study by training the white matter hyperintensities segmentation model on cases collected from one vendor and testing the model performance on eight different data sets. The model performance can be significantly improved, especially in testing sets which shows low image contrast similarity with training data, suggesting the feasibility of incorporating the non-lesion characteristics into segmentation model to enhance the resistance of cross-vendor image contrast variabilities.
Self-supervised learning for multi-center MRI harmonization without traveling phantoms: application for cervical cancer classification
Authors: Chang Xiao , Cai Xin , Dan Yibo , Song Yang , Lu Qing , Yang Guang , Nie Shengdong
Published: August 2023

We proposed a self-supervised harmonization to achieve the generality and robustness of diagnostic models in multi-center MRI studies. By mapping the style of images from one center to another center, the harmonization without traveling phantoms was formalized as an unpaired image-to-image translation problem between two domains. The proposed method was demonstrated with pelvic MRI images from two different systems against two state-of-the-art deep-leaning (DL) based methods and one conventional method. The proposed method yields superior generality of diagnostic models by largely decreasing the difference in radiomics features and great image fidelity as quantified by mean structure similarity index measure (MSSIM).
Effect of GABA and Glx Levels on the Medication Overuse Headache
Authors: Bai Xiaoyan , Hu Zhangxuan , Wang Wei , Zhang Xueyan , Li Zhiye , Wang Yonggang , Sui Binbin
Published: August 2023

Eight medication overuse headache (MOH) patients and eight healthy controls (HCs) were recruited to explore the potential neuroimage biomarkers based on 1H-MRS. The Glx (glutamate and glutamine) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in thalamus and PAG regions were compared between MOH and HC groups. The MOH group had lower GABA+/water and higher Glx/Cr ratios than HC group in the PAG. Also,higher Glx/Cr and Glx/water ratios were found in the left thalamus with MOH group. These results might be better explaining the pathophysiology mechanism of MOH in the trigeminovascular pain pathways, and guiding the clinical targeted drug treatment for MOH patients.
RF Coil design for improving human liver fat quantification in a portable single-side MR system
Authors: Yang Shiwei , Chen Xiao , Chen Shuen , Luo Hai , Zhao Yue , Wu Ziyue , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

Earlier diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becomes important to prevent the disease progression. Recently, a low-cost portable MR system was developed as a point-of-care screening tool for in vivo liver fat quantification. However, the subcutaneous fat may confound the live fat quantification, particularly in the NAFLD susceptible population. In this work, we propose a novel RF coil design composed of a main target coil sandwiching a set of “saturation” coil to improve human liver fat quantification. We demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the novel RF design in phantom experiments as well as in-vivo liver scans.
Exposure of infants in baby gradient coils
Authors: Tang Fangfang , Giaccone Luca , Freschi Fabio , Crozier Stuart , Liu Feng
Published: August 2023

In pediatric magnetic resonance imaging, infants are exposed to rapid, time-varying gradient magnetic fields, leading to electric fields induced in the body of infants and potential safety risks (e.g., peripheral nerve stimulation). In this work, the induced electric fields by the small x, y, z gradient coils in an infant model were numerically evaluated at different model positions. It was found that the induced electric fields in most tissues exceeded the basic restrictions of the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines.
Flow Quantification for Cerebrospinal Fluid by Spatial-temporal Perturbation Patterns in SSFP
Authors: Wang Yicun , van Gelderen Peter , de Zwart Jacco , Özbay Pinar , Mandelkow Hendrik , Picchioni Dante , Duyn Jeff
Published: August 2023

We report a fast quantitative CSF flow imaging method based on the spatial-temporal perturbation patterns formed at the transition bands in balanced steady-state-free-precession (SSFP) images when combined with a background magnetic field gradient. By modeling CSF flow as a combination of a pulsatile (AC) and a constant (DC) flow component across the cardiac cycle, a dictionary was generated based on Bloch simulations and used to translate the observed patterns to flow velocities. Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the approach. CSF flow resulting from different physiological mechanisms was quantified in selected regions in 12 healthy subjects.
Feasibility of 3T imaging in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients with Certas Plus Valve: comparison of artifacts 3T vs 1.5T.
Authors: Camerucci Emanuele , Elder Benjamin , Gunter Jeffrey , Huston John , Jack Clifford , Cogswell Petrice
Published: August 2023

We compared the artifact induced by the Certas Plus at 3.0T vs 1.5T in 9 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) on six sequences (3D MPRAGE, Sagittal T1, axial DWI, axial GRE, axial T2 FLAIR, axial T2 FSE) at three levels (atria of the lateral ventricles, cerebral aqueduct, and cerebellum hemispheres). The 1.5T scans had a significantly greater area of artifact on DWI (all levels) and GRE (cerebellar level) sequences, and a smaller area of artifact on T2 FLAIR (cerebellar level). Post-shunt imaging at 3T with the Certas plus valve is feasible and with lesser artifact than on 1.5T.
Deep Learning based automatic ROI sampling approach for the measurement of liver PDFF
Authors: Xu Xinxin , Wang Yihuan , Zhang Shuheng , Chen Xiang , Li Yang , Wu Ke , Yuan Jianmin , Yan Fuhua
Published: August 2023

Hepatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measurement plays an important role in the assessment of chronic diffuse liver diseases, while it is always time consuming and lack of good reproducibility and repeatability. To address this problem, we introduced a five-ROI sampling approach based on a convolutional neural network that provided high dice coefficient (DC) of whole liver segmentation, good correlation and quicker compared with manual operation.
Utilization of high resolution and low velocity encoding PCA with highly accelerated compressed sensing for preoperative SEEG planning
Authors: Liu Qiangqiang , Zhang Shuheng , Xu Jiwen , Zhu Jiachen , Shen Yiwen , Chen Wenzhen , Ye Xiaolai , Wang Dong , Yuan Jianmin
Published: August 2023

It is essential to avoid small vessels during stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) electrode implantation. In this study, we proposed a 6-fold Compressed sensing accelerated, 5cm/s Low velocity encoded, 0.75mm Isotropic resolution Phase contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography (CLIP-MRA). In CLIP-MRA, the compressed sensing based acceleration method was shown to achieve better image quality or shorter scan duration compared to parallel imaging based acceleration. CLIP-MRA was able to display not only cortical arteries and veins simultaneously, but also vessels in the skull. Safety and effectiveness of CLIP-MRA utilized preoperative SEEG planning were evaluated on a small patient cohort.
Retrospective Motion Artifacts Suppression by Simulated radial K-space (R-MASSK) for 3D view-sharing sequence acquired abdominal 4D-MRI
Authors: Wong Yat Lam , Chang Hing Chiu , Li Tian , Cai Jing
Published: August 2023

3D view-sharing sequence has been demonstrated its great promise for abdominal 4D-MRI due to its high temporal resolution and availability in clinical scanners. However, the sub-optimal use of these sequence in free-breathing situation deteriorates the image quality by ghost artifacts induced by respiration. We propose a novel technique, Retrospective Motion Artifacts Suppression by Simulated radial K-space (R-MASSK), to suppress motion artifacts and to increase image quality of the 4D-MRI acquired by the 3D view-sharing sequences, TRICKS and TWIST, through simulated radial k-space resampling.
ACID - an open-source, bids compatible software for brain and spinal cord dMRI: preprocessing, DTI/DKI, biophysical modelling
Authors: Fricke Björn , David Gergely , Oeschger Jan Malte , Freund Patrick , Ruthotto Lars , Tabelow Karsten , Mohammadi Siawoosh
Published: August 2023

The ACID-Toolbox is an open-source toolbox for brain and spinal-cord diffusion data. It enables the preprocessing and creation of DTI/DKI, and biophysical parameter-maps in one single pipeline. Preprocessing covers correction for eddy-currents and motion-artefacts, susceptibility distortions and adaptive denoising. For model-fitting, the toolbox offers several algorithms to estimate the diffusion or the kurtosis tensors as well as estimation of biophysical parameters. ACID is integrated into the batch system of the Statistical-Parametric-Mapping (SPM12) software for the analysis of neuroimaging data and thus benefits from associated spatial and statistical processing modules. Additionally, ACID is BIDS compatible but also applicable to non-BIDS-conform data.
Optimization of Arterial Input Function Selection for Quantitative Head and Neck Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) MRI
Authors: Roberts John , Kim Seong-Eun , Kholmovski Evgueni , Hitchcock Ying , Richards Tyler , Anzai Yoshimi
Published: August 2023

Arterial input functions measured in T1 weighted low tip angle SPGRE DCE MRI acquisitions may violate an important assumption used when modeling the conversion of image values to quantitative results: that all tissues of interest have reached steady state within the imaging volume. For arterial flow along the short axis of the imaging volume, blood may not dwell within the imaging volume long enough to reach steady state. We study both the location from which AIF will be measured and the acquisition parameters employed in order to optimize the accuracy of the DCE derived quantitative results.
A novel blockface imaging pipeline for robust correlative MR-histology of human brain specimens
Authors: DiGiacomo Phillip , Shao Wei , Georgiadis Marios , Wang Yi , Spincemaille Pascal , Schlömer Philipp , Axer Markus , Born Don , Rusu Mirabela , Zeineh Michael
Published: August 2023

Histology is critical for validating pathology detected in ultra-high-resolution ex-vivo MRI. However, registering histological images with MR is challenging due to 3D deformations between MR and histology, 2D deformations during sectioning, and the fact that histological staining often occurs only in selected slices. Addressing these issues will enable quantification of complex histological features and their relationship with MRI, facilitating the discovery of novel in vivo imaging-based biomarkers of disease. Here, we demonstrate the use of a novel pipeline utilizing ultra-high-resolution specimen MRI, blockface imaging, and a modified tape transfer system for correlative MRI-paraffin-embedded histology of human brain tissue specimens.
Improved Harmonization of Renal T2 Mapping Between Vendors using Stimulated Echo Compensation
Authors: Li Hao , Buchanan Charlotte , Morris David , Daniel Alexander , Sousa João , Sourbron Steven , Thomas David , Francis Susan , Priest Andrew
Published: August 2023

B1 inhomogeneity and non-ideal slice profiles introduce contributions from stimulated and indirect echoes into the multi-echo spin-echo (MESE) T2 mapping sequence, leading to variations in quantitative T2 values across scanners and vendors despite the use of a harmonised scan protocol. This study used an EPG-based fitting method to include corrections for stimulated-echo effects, applied to phantom and ‘travelling kidney’ data collected on scanners from three different MR vendors (GE, Philips, Siemens). Compared with conventional monoexponential fitting, EPG-based fitting substantially reduced the inter-scanner variations of T2 measurements. This improves the harmonization of the MESE T2 mapping sequence across MR scanner vendors.
In silico uncertainty quantification of the wall shear stress computed from phase-contrast 4d flow measurements.
Authors: Gaínza Constanza , Schiavazzi Daniele , Sing-Long Carlos
Published: August 2023

The wall shear stress (WSS) is a relevant biomarker associated with the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques that can be computed from blood flow velocity measurements. We study the effect of noise velocity on the quantification of the WSS with a focus on the spatial correlations that may arise. We perform in silico experiments in which we consider a Hagen-Poiseuille flow and two noise distributions. Our results show evidence on the existence of spatial correlations in the WSS even when the velocity noise is uncorrelated.
Double offsets and powers magnetization transfer ratio (dopMTR) for specific MT MR imaging
Authors: zu zhongliang
Published: August 2023

Magnetization transfer (MT) effect has been analyzed by the MT ratio (MTR) or quantitative MT (qMT). However, because the MTR lacks sensitivity and specificity to MT effect and qMT needs a long scan time, their application into clinical scenarios has been limited. In this paper, we introduce the dopMTR, a new MT data analysis and acquisition method that uses double saturation pulse offsets and powers. Simulations and experiments show that the dopMTR can provide more specific and sensitive quantification of the MT effect than the conventional MTR, with relatively brief acquisition times and easy data processing.
In-tissue nano-assembly of Zn2+-responsive agent provides prolonged imaging time-window for longitudinal in vivo MRI studies
Authors: Tirukoti Deva Nishanth , Avram-Biton Liat , Bar-Shir Amnon
Published: August 2023

The fast clearance of small molecular probes limits their applicability as responsive agent and prevents their use in longitudinal study. We show here the design and implementation of a tripod-type responsive agent for Zn2+ mapping that assembled to 100nm nanostructure at physiological temperature. The designed fluorinated probe showed capabilities to monitor Zn2+ when combining CEST MRI and 19F-MRI. Upon its intracranial injection the synthetic probe assembled to large entities in the tissue that prevent its clearance from the injection site. This property allows to map its 19F-signal for more than 20 hours and will enable longitudinal studies in the future.
Correlation of the 23Na Triple-Quantum Signal with Protein Size
Authors: Reichert Simon , Kleimaier Dennis , Schad Lothar
Published: August 2023

This study demonstrates a correlation of protein size with sodium triple-quantum (TQ) signal. The TQ/SQ ratio of several globular proteins increased with protein size. Furthermore, strong sodium binding had a substantial impact on the TQ signal. The small protein α-Lactalbumin yielded a strong TQ signal due to strong sodium binding to a calcium binding site using a calcium-depleted protein.
Deblurring 3D FSE Images via Regularized Iterative Demodulation of T2 Decay
Authors: Wen Yan , Tan Ek Tsoon , Fung Maggie , Sneag Darryl
Published: August 2023

The 3D FSE sequence is widely used in clinical MRI for its capability to collect many phase encoding lines in each RF excitation. However, the signals during the long echo train readout are modulated by the T2 decay, resulting in blurring. An algorithm is presented to retrospectively demodulate estimated T2 decay from the actual signal. In the preliminary data, the proposed algorithm demonstrated success in deblurring the images.
Early Detection of Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity Using Hyperpolarized Pyruvate
Authors: Ma Junjie , Chen Jun , Zhang-Velten Elizabeth , Sharma Jayesh , Wang Xuliang , Schiattarella Gabriele , Gillette Thomas , Hill Joseph , Malloy Craig , Zaha Vlad , Park Jae Mo , Alluri Prasanna
Published: August 2023

Radiation-induced heart disease is a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving thoracic radiation. In this study, radiation-induced changes in cardiac metabolism is investigated using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate MRI in animals and patients. Myocardial bicarbonate-to-lactate ratios decreased following radiation treatments while no change was observed in the global strain, suggesting radiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart. This translational study demonstrates clinical potential of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate for early and noninvasive detection of radiation-induced cardiac injury.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping for Chamber Blood Oxygenation in Pulmonary Hypertension: Validation using Right Heart Catheterization
Authors: Li Jiahao , Tak Katherine , Meier Rachel , Villar-Calle Pablo , Johannesen Justin , Kim Jiwon , Wang Yi , Weinsaft Jonathan , Spincemaille Pascal
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and life shortening disorder with increased differential blood oxygen saturation (ΔSaO2) between right and left heart. In this prospective study, we acquired cardiac QSM from patients undergoing clinically indicated right heart catheterization (RHC) for assessment of known or suspected PH. ΔSaO2 estimated from QSM aligned well with RHC oxygenation data, showing QSM as a non-invasive CMR technique can be applied to clinically evaluate heart chamber oxygenation quantification in PH.