TY - JOUR
AU - Miquel, M E
AB - ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to demonstrate soft palate MRI at 1.5 and 3 T with high temporal resolution on clinical scanners.MethodsSix volunteers were imaged while speaking, using both four real-time steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequences at 3 T and four balanced SSFP (bSSFP) at 1.5 T. Temporal resolution was 9–20 frames s−1 (fps), spatial resolution 1.6×1.6×10.0–2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3. Simultaneous audio was recorded. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), palate thickness and image quality score (1–4, non-diagnostic–excellent) were evaluated.ResultsSNR was higher at 3 T than 1.5 T in the relaxed palate (nasal breathing position) and reduced in the elevated palate at 3 T, but not 1.5 T. Image quality was not significantly different between field strengths or sequences (p=NS). At 3 T, 40% acquisitions scored 2 and 56% scored 3. Most 1.5 T acquisitions scored 1 (19%) or 4 (46%). Image quality was more dependent on subject or field than sequence. SNR in static images was highest with 1.9×1.9×10.0 mm3 resolution (10 fps) and measured palate thickness was similar (p=NS) to that at the highest resolution (1.6×1.6×10.0 mm3). SNR in intensity–time plots through the soft palate was highest with 2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3 resolution (20 fps).ConclusionsAt 3 T, SSFP images are of a reliable quality, but 1.5 T bSSFP images are often better. For geometric measurements, temporal should be traded for spatial resolution (1.9×1.9×10.0 mm3, 10 fps). For assessment of motion, temporal should be prioritised over spatial resolution (2.7×2.7×10.0 mm3, 20 fps).Advances in knowledgeDiagnostic quality real-time soft palate MRI is possible using clinical scanners and optimised protocols have been developed. 3 T SSFP imaging is reliable, but 1.5 T bSSFP often produces better images.
TI - Towards clinical assessment of velopharyngeal closure using MRI: evaluation of real-time MRI sequences at 1.5 and 3 T
JO - British Journal of Radiology
DO - 10.1259/bjr/32938996
DA - 2014-01-28
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/towards-clinical-assessment-of-velopharyngeal-closure-using-mri-26XbkMHqIT
SP - e1083
EP - e1092
VL - 85
IS - 1019
DP - DeepDyve
ER -