Detecting lesions in multiple sclerosis at 4.7 tesla using phase susceptibility-weighting and T2-weighting.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate 4.7 Tesla (T) imaging methods for visualizing lesions in multiple sclerosis in the human brain using phase susceptibility-weighting and T2 weighting.


METHODS
Seven patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were imaged at 4.7T using three-dimensional (3D) susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) with 0.90 mm(3) voxel volumes, and with 2D T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2WFSE) with 0.34 mm(3) voxels and 1.84 mm(3) voxels. The visibility of MS lesions at 4.7T with phase SWI and T2WFSE was assessed by independent lesion counts made by an experienced neuroradiologist, and by quantitative measures.


RESULTS
High resolution T2WFSE at 4.7T provided excellent depiction of hyperintense lesions. When combined with phase SWI, 124 total lesions were identified of which 18% were only visible on phase SWI and not on T2WFSE. The phase lesions had a mean phase shift relative to local background of -11.15 +/- 5.97 parts per billion.


CONCLUSIONS
Imaging at 4.7T can provide both high quality, high resolution T2WFSE and SWI for visualization of lesions in multiple sclerosis. Phase susceptibility-weighting can identify additional lesions that are not visible with high resolution T2WFSE.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Amir
A
Eissa
R Marc
RM
Lebel
Jeff R
JR
Korzan
Anna E
AE
Zavodni
Kenneth G
KG
Warren
Ingrid
I
Catz
Derek J
DJ
Emery
Alan H
AH
Wilman
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000473:pathology*