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01-07-2014 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Tissue Border Enhancement by inversion recovery MRI at 7.0 Tesla

Authors: Mauro Costagli, Douglas A. C. Kelley, Mark R. Symms, Laura Biagi, Riccardo Stara, Eleonora Maggioni, Gianluigi Tiberi, Carmen Barba, Renzo Guerrini, Mirco Cosottini, Michela Tosetti

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Introduction

This contribution presents a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition technique named Tissue Border Enhancement (TBE), whose purpose is to produce images with enhanced visualization of borders between two tissues of interest without any post-processing.

Methods

The technique is based on an inversion recovery sequence that employs an appropriate inversion time to produce images where the interface between two tissues of interest is hypo-intense; therefore, tissue borders are clearly represented by dark lines. This effect is achieved by setting imaging parameters such that two neighboring tissues of interest have magnetization with equal magnitude but opposite sign; therefore, the voxels containing a mixture of each tissue (that is, the tissue interface) possess minimal net signal. The technique was implemented on a 7.0 T MRI system.

Results

This approach can assist the definition of tissue borders, such as that between cortical gray matter and white matter; therefore, it could facilitate segmentation procedures, which are often challenging on ultra-high-field systems due to inhomogeneous radiofrequency distribution. TBE allows delineating the contours of structural abnormalities, and its capabilities were demonstrated with patients with focal cortical dysplasia, gray matter heterotopia, and polymicrogyria.

Conclusion

This technique provides a new type of image contrast and has several possible applications in basic neuroscience, neurogenetic research, and clinical practice, as it could improve the detection power of MRI in the characterization of cortical malformations, enhance the contour of small anatomical structures of interest, and facilitate cortical segmentation.

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Title: Tissue Border Enhancement by inversion recovery MRI at 7.0 Tesla
Authors: Mauro Costagli
Douglas A. C. Kelley
Mark R. Symms
Laura Biagi
Riccardo Stara
Eleonora Maggioni
Gianluigi Tiberi
Carmen Barba
Renzo Guerrini
Mirco Cosottini
Michela Tosetti
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-014-1365-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Tissue Border Enhancement by inversion recovery MRI at 7.0 Tesla

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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