Magnetization transfer weighted imaging in the upper cervical spinal cord using cerebrospinal fluid as intersubject normalization reference (MTCSF imaging).
The magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) is a reliable measure of MT effects because it employs an internal standard that allows quantitative comparison between subjects, independent of other contrasts, coil loading, and coil sensitivity profiles. However, at very high spatial resolution in the spinal cord at 1.5 T, the use of MTR quantification has been hampered by low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and acute sensitivity to motion. Here, the suitability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as an alternative inter-subject MT signal intensity reference for the spine is evaluated. Contrary to MTR, this so-called MTCSF internal standard does not remove interfering T(1), T(2), and spin density contrast and is not expected to be able to discriminate between myelination and inflammation effects. However, it can detect initial changes in myelination when signal alterations are not yet detectable by conventional MRI. As a first example, this is demonstrated for the noninflammatory spinal cord white matter disease adrenomyeloneuropathy.
Smith
Seth A
SA
F. M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Golay
Xavier
X
Fatemi
Ali
A
Jones
Craig K
CK
Raymond
Gerald V
GV
Moser
Hugo W
HW
van Zijl
Peter C M
PC
D000326:Adrenoleukodystrophy / Q000473:pathology*; D000465:Algorithms; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity