A MnCl2-based MR signal intensity linear response phantom.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to develop a manganese chloride (MnCl2)-based phantom model that would allow progressive quantitative assessment of tissue hydration based on observed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging signal intensity (SI) linearity characteristics.


METHODS
The study was performed using a progressive signal refinement technique that allowed development of an imaging tool for semiquantitative sequential discrimination of MR signal responses. A series of 82 phantoms comprising a gelatin-set MnCl2 composite were imaged under basic T1- and T2-weighted conditions. MR SI measurements were taken using region-of-interest selection, and MnCl2 concentrations were adjusted to allow development of a pair of 8-tube phantoms. These phantoms permitted progressive incremental assessment of hydration based on fundamental MR SI response.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed that phantom MR signal response linearity can be achieved using the phantoms described under both T1 and T2 imaging conditions, yielding R2 values of 0.97 and 0.94, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel MnCl2-based phantom can be used as a noninvasive reference standard for quantitative classification of in vivo tissue hydration based on routine clinical MR imaging sequences. Progressive correlation testing using a human cartilage sample should be performed to further refine the model for clinical application.
Kurmis
Andrew P
AP
Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, IMVS/Hanson Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Barber
Christine
C
Slavotinek
John P
JP
Fazzalari
Nicola L
NL
D002712:Chlorides; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017895:Manganese Compounds; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies
D002712:Chlorides; D017895:Manganese Compounds; C025340:manganese chloride