Static MR images for diagnosis of swallowing.
Evaluation of swallowing has been made possible by cine-Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with high time resolution. However, the spatial resolution in cine-MR imaging remains inadequate for the detection of anatomical structures. Therefore, it is necessary to refer to static MR images in conjunction with cine-MR imaging. The aim of this study was to determine which MR parameters were appropriate for static imaging of the anatomical structures involved in swallowing. MR imaging was carried out, and T1-weighted, T2-weighted and proton-density-weighted MR images were obtained in the sagittal plane in 5 healthy volunteers. Each image was evaluated for anatomic landmark clarity by 3 oral radiologists. The anatomic landmarks selected were the lip, tip of tongue, center of tongue, tongue base, soft palate and epiglottis. Differences in clarity among 3 imaging modalities were evaluated. A 3-point score rating system was used. The results showed that lower TE sequences, i.e., either T1-weighted or proton-density-weighted images, were the most suitable for use in conjunction with cine-MR imaging in diagnosing swallowing disorders.
Ohkubo
Mai
M
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation and Community Dental Care, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
Sano
Tsukasa
T
Ishida
Ryo
R
Higaki
Takuo
T
Nishikawa
Keiichi
K
Hayakawa
Yoshihiko
Y
Otonari
Takamichi
T
Yamamoto-Otonari
Mika
M
Harada
Takuya
T
Wakoh
Mamoru
M
D000328:Adult; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014059:Tongue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D055815:Young Adult