[A smooth pneumatic motion device for dynamic MRI imaging of the cervical spine].
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate a new, pneumatically operated motion apparatus for the dynamic functional MR examination of the cervical spine.


METHODS
A metal-free, pneumatically operated motion apparatus for functional dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine was developed with respect to the geometry of a short-bore, superconducting high-field MR system. The examination protocol included a T2-weighted multi-slice turbospin echo sequence (T2-TSE, TR/TE = 2610/115, matrix 254/512) and a dynamic T2-weighted single-shot sequence (T2-TSE, TR/TE = 1110/110, matrix 255/256, acquisition time 1 s) in a sagittal plane. In order to evaluate the new motion apparatus and the examination protocol, 10 healthy subjects and 10 patients were examined.


RESULTS
The new motion apparatus allowed us to perform a passive stepless inclination and reclination motion of the patient's cervical spine within the MR scanner without leaving the magnet bore. The maximum motion degrees of the cervical spine were within -35 degrees (reclination) and 30 degrees (inclination). Due to the T2-contrast and the high spatial resolution of the dynamic sequence, the myelon, the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid and the discoligamental structures were imaged with a good contrast and allowed a sufficient evaluation of the cervical spinal channel in all functional positions.


CONCLUSIONS
This new motion apparatus allows a standardized and stepless dynamic functional MR examination in a short-bore high-field MR scanner. By the use of fast T2-weighted spin echo sequences it has been shown to be of high value for the evaluation of the cervical myelon, the anterior and posterior cerebrospinal fluid and the discoligamental structures.
Tacke
J
J
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Medizinische Einrichtungen der RWTH Aachen. tacke@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Pfeffer
J G
JG
Glowinski
A
A
Birnbaum
K
K
Günther
R W
RW
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology
D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate