Short-Ti inversion-recovery pulse sequence: analysis and initial experience in cancer imaging.

Inversion recovery (IR), commonly considered a pulse sequence capable of producing T1-weighted images with excellent display of normal anatomy, is versatile: The null point and peak time provide a useful, succinct summary of the properties of IR and its capacity for producing both T1- and T2-weighted images. Shortening of the inversion time (TI) and creation of a short-TI inversion-recovery (STIR) pulse sequence increases sensitivity to malignancy and other abnormalities by making the effects of prolonged T1 and T2 on signal intensity additive and by nulling the signal from fat. The authors examined over 300 patients with various malignancies and compared STIR images with T1- and T2-weighted images obtained at 0.5 T. In 43 cases, signal-difference-to-noise ratios (SD/Ns) were calculated between tumor, fat, and muscle. In general, STIR images demonstrated tumor as a conspicuously high-intensity area in a background of muted, discernible anatomic detail. The good contrast achieved with STIR sequences between tumor and fat (SD/N = 18.1) and tumor and muscle (SD/N = 12.9) consolidated into a single image the information contained separately on T1- and T2-weighted images, which facilitates efficient detection and localization of malignancy.

Opening of blood-ocular barrier demonstrated by contrast-enhanced MR imaging.

Opening of the blood-ocular barrier following infusion of hyperosmolar agents into the internal carotid artery has been demonstrated by gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In five rhesus monkeys the disruption of the barrier was shown as increased signal intensity within the aqueous and vitreous humors. These findings suggest a potential use of contrast-enhanced MR imaging for detecting and evaluating the ocular microangiopathy of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy and other diseases.

The field dependence of NMR imaging. I. Laboratory assessment of signal-to-noise ratio and power deposition.

A method is proposed for measuring on the bench the NMR signal-to-noise ratio of rf probes, (over the range 1-100 MHz) and also the power deposited in patients during the imaging experiment. The technique is based on the principle of reciprocity, in that a direct relationship exists between the magnetic field generated (upon transmission) by a matched probe coil and the signal-to-noise ratio delivered by the same coil when used as a receiver. The construction and use of a calibrated sense coil for measuring the field is described, and the precautions and theory necessary for accurate measurement and understanding are outlined. Finally, the method is verified by comparison with a direct spectral measure of sensitivity obtained from a small doped water sample placed in NMR imaging equipment.

The field dependence of NMR imaging. II. Arguments concerning an optimal field strength.

Some of the factors involved in the choice of field strength for NMR imaging are examined. The influences of relaxation times and chemical shift upon image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are highlighted, and power deposition is introduced as a significant factor which may limit the flexibility and information available at higher fields as long as 180 degrees echo pulses continue to be necessary. Chemical-shift imaging is examined and found wanting as a means of coping with chemical-shift artifacts, and the use of multiple echoes (albeit with research) in conjunction with multiple-slice techniques is advocated as representing an efficient data-gathering scheme which can improve image signal-to-noise ratio. With such use, a medium field strength (0.5-1 T) is presented as representing, for general purpose imaging of head and torso, the best current compromise when imaging time is of major importance, with the important caveat that new techniques may always invalidate this conclusion.

Quadrature detection in the laboratory frame.

A theory of quadrature detection in the laboratory frame is developed. It is shown that the geometry of the two orthogonal coil systems needed for quadrature detection is radically different from that used with saddle-shaped coils, and that the homogeneity of the B1 field produced upon transmission is marginally better. The opposing quadrature phase shifts needed for transmission and reception are emphasized, and the use of a quadrature hybrid is advocated as a simple and inexpensive means of interfacing the transmitter, probes, and preamplifier. Experimental results are presented which confirm the theoretical predictions, and show that up to a 40% improvement in sensitivity and a twofold reduction in transmitter power are possible, particularly in those instances where the sample is conductive--namely, imaging of humans and in vivo spectroscopy.

A parallel algorithm for rotating-frame zeugmatography.

An algorithm, which utilizes a high degree of parallel processing, has been developed for two-dimensional rotating-frame zeugmatography so that a picture of 256 X 256 pixels can be generated with a minicomputer system 2 sec after data accumulation. An array processor is employed as a second processor and, the refresh memory of a display unit is used as a fast data storage entity. Approximately half the calculations are carried out in the array processor during the nuclear relaxation period. Data movement to and from the display memory occurs largely during, and in parallel with, the array processing. The sequence can be run at a repetition rate of 35 msec per free induction decay and the algorithm can be implemented in any two-dimensional experiment of the Fourier transform genre.

Selective population inversion in NMR.

Population inversion of a selected region of a spectrum is a concept which has wide application in both NMR spectroscopy and imaging. While inversion of population at any one frequency is a trivial matter, ensuring an accurate inversion over a specified bandwidth, with negligible perturbation of the magnetization outside that bandwidth, is a major problem. However, by using as a driving function a complex radiofrequency (r.f.) pulse with an envelope of the form (sech beta t)1+5i where 1/beta is the temporal width and t is time, we have found that above a critical r.f. power threshold, magnetization is accurately inverted over a very sharply defined bandwidth, while outside that region, magnetization is returned to its initial position, and population is unaffected. Within the broad limits imposed by our equipment, we have also discovered that the phenomenon is independent of the incident r.f. power.

Design of a high resolution positron emission tomograph: the Neuro-PET.

The design of a high resolution positron emission tomograph is described. The scanner has four rings of detectors with an inside diameter of 38 cm and produces seven simultaneous slices, including three cross-slices. Each ring contains 128 bismuth germanate scintillation detectors with dimensions of 8.25 x 20 x 35 mm; adjacent crystals are separated by tapered tungsten septa that extend to within 7.5 mm of the front faces. The anticipated geometrical spatial resolution of the scanner is 4.5 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) at the center of the image, and the sensitivity is 44,000 true counts/sec/ring (390,000 counts/sec total) for a uniform phantom 20 cm in diameter containing 1 muCi/cc activity. There are interchangeable collimators for use in high count rate studies, for narrowing the slice width from 1 cm FWHM to 5 mm FWHM, and for ultra-high resolution studies with a 2.5 mm FWHM geometrical point spread function. The electronic circuitry has separate timing and energy verification channels and can detect 95% of the coincidences with a timing window (twice the maximum time between two coincident pulses) of 14 nsec. The count rate capability of the electronics is 150,000 counts/sec/ring and 1.5 million counts/sec total.

Extraction of information from CT scans at different energies.

The image displayed in computed tomography is a scaled representation of attenuation coefficients within the patient's body. A number of authors have presented methods by which additional information (such as electron density, effective atomic number, and extrapolated attenuation coefficients for therapy applications) can be extracted from CT scans carried out at different energies. In the present paper, the dual-energy method described by Rutherford has been used to produce complete images of effective atomic number and electron density of a known phantom (the AAPM phantom) in order to investigate the usefulness of applying this method to current commercial scanners.

Determination of effective energies in CT calibration.

The effective energy of a polychromatic beam for a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner can be measured directly only with difficulty. However, a linear relationship exists between the measured CT numbers and corresponding attenuation coefficients of known materials at the effective energy of the x-ray beam. The effective energy can then be determined by searching all energies for the best linear correlation between the CT numbers and the attenuation coefficients. This can be performed by two methods: graphically, by means of choosing visually the straightest of the fitted lines or, mathematically, by maximizing the correlation coefficient. The energy corresponding to the optimal fit is therefore selected as the effective energy. The latter method was implemented by computer and demonstrated by scanning the AAPM phantom, which contained known materials, and determining the effective energies and the relationship between the linear attenuation coefficients and CT numbers for three commercial units.

Extrapolation of linear attenuation coefficients of biological materials from diagnostic-energy x-ray levels to the megavoltage range.

A dual-energy algorithm is used in determining the effective atomic number, atomic density, and electron density of biological substances. These quantities are then used to calculate linear attenuation coefficients at the megavolttage level. The validity of this method is checked several ways, including a comparison of extrapolated values with experimental data reported by Rao and Gregg where linear attenuation coefficients at 60 and 122 keV are used to extrapolate coefficients at 662 keV. Except for a few instances, the extrapolated values agree quite well with the reported experimental values. This method is also used to calculate coefficients at the 60Co range, and these are compared with experimental values measured in water and various types of tissue-equivalent materials. An additional algorithm is developed to extrapolate coefficients in water and bone up to 10 MeV. These quantities are compared with accepted values previously reported in the literature.

Estimation of chemical composition and density from computed tomography carried out at a number of energies.

A method is presented by whichcomputed tomography scans carried out at a number of energies may be utilized to obtain cross-sectional images of density and atomic number in addition to the conventional array of linear attenuation coefficients. This type of analysis has been carried out for various substances of biological relevance. Computer simulated reconstructions of clinical situations suggest that the method shows promise for providing additional diagnostic information and might dispense to some extent with the necessity of injecting contrast agents into the patient.