In vivo measurements of proton relaxation times in human brain, liver, and skeletal muscle: a multicenter MRI study.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging may offer unique potential for tissue characterization in vivo. In this connection texture analysis of quantitative MR images may be of special importance. Because evaluation of texture analysis needs large data material, multicenter approaches become mandatory. Within the frame of BME Concerted Action on Tissue Characterization by MRI and MRS, a pilot multicenter study was launched in order to evaluate the technical problems including comparability of relaxation time measurements carried out in the individual sites. Human brain, skeletal muscle, and liver were used as models. A total of 218 healthy volunteers were studied. Fifteen MRI scanners with field strength ranging from 0.08 T to 1.5 T were induced. Measurement accuracy was tested on the Eurospin relaxation time test object (TO5) and the obtained calibration curve was used for correction of the in vivo data. The results established that, by following a standardized procedure, comparable quantitative measurements can be obtained in vivo from a number of MR sites. The overall variation coefficient in vivo was in the same order of magnitude as ex vivo relaxometry. Thus, it is possible to carry out international multicenter studies on quantitative imaging, provided that quality control with respect to measurement accuracy and calibration of the MR equipments are performed.
L.R.M.B.M., Faculté de Médicine, University of Rennes, France.
J D
JD
de Certaines
O
O
Henriksen
A
A
Spisni
M
M
Cortsen
P B
PB
Ring
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002138:Calibration; D005062:European Union; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008961:Models, Structural; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results