Visualization of swallowing using real-time TrueFISP MR fluoroscopy.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of different real-time true fast imaging with steady precession (TrueFISP) sequences regarding their ability to depict the swallowing process and delineate oropharyngeal pathologies in patients with dysphagia. Real-time TrueFISP visualization of swallowing was performed in 8 volunteers and 6 patients with dysphagia using a 1.5 T scanner (Magnetom Sonata, Siemens, Erlangen Germany) equipped with high-performance gradients (amplitude 40 mT/m). Image quality of four different real-time TrueFISP sequences (TR 2.2-3.0 ms, TE 1.1-1.5 ms, matrix 63 x 128-135 x 256, field of view 250 mm(2), acquisition time per image 139-405 ms) was evaluated. Water, yoghurt, and semolina pudding were assessed as oral contrast agents. Functional exploration of the oropharyngeal apparatus was best possible using the fastest real-time TrueFISP sequence (TR 2.2 ms, TE 1.1 ms, matrix 63 x 128). Increased acquisition time resulted in blurring of anatomical structures. As the image contrast of TrueFISP sequences depends on T2/T1 properties, all tested foodstuff were well suited as oral contrast agents, but image quality was best using semolina pudding. Real-time visualization of swallowing is possible using real-time TrueFISP sequences in conjunction with oral contrast agents. For the functional exploration of swallowing high temporal resolution is more crucial than spatial resolution.
Barkhausen
Jörg
J
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. joerg.barkhausen@uni-essen.de
Goyen
Mathias
M
von Winterfeld
Friederike
F
Lauenstein
Thomas
T
Arweiler-Harbeck
Diana
D
Debatin
Jörg F
JF
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis
D003287:Contrast Media