Scott Brian Reeder^1,2, Catherine D Hines¹, Charles A McKenzie³, and Claude B Sirlin^4
1Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States, ²Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States, ³Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, ⁴Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States

Hepatic steatosis is the abnormal accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes. Validation of quantitative MRS/MRI methods that measure hepatic fat content (proton density fat-fraction) requires the use of tissue-based reference standards. Liver biopsy, although invasive and limited by sampling variability is the most widely accepted reference standard. Tissue triglyceride extraction is an attractive alternative that accurately measures tissue fat concentration. Unfortunately, MRS/MRI-based metrics of fat concentration and tissue-based measured metrics are inherently different, complicating direct comparisons. The purpose of this e-poster is to describe commonly used metrics used to measure fat with histology, chemical extraction, and MRS/MRI.

Rajpaul Attariwala¹, and Wayne Picker^1
1AIM Medical Imaging, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Whole body diffusion with coregistered conventional T1, STIR, T2 sequences is a sensitive method for lesion detection and can be used on modern MRI machines. The exquisite sensitivity of this technique may limit gadolinium for lesion detection in the body, and has the ability to quantify tissue properties.

Hiroyoshi Isoda¹, Tomohisa Okada¹, Kotaro Shimada¹, Seiya Kawahara¹, Hironori Shimizu¹, and Kaori Togashi^1
1Kyoto University, kyoto, kyoto, Japan

The purpose of this presentation is to provide the latest information in the field of non-contrast-enhanced hepatic MR angiography. The focus is on the basics of angiography sequences and time spatial labeling inversion pulse techniques, clinical applications in hepatic arteries, portal veins, and hepaticveins, and new developments on the horizon, including 3T non-contrast-enhanced MRA.

Jorge Humberto Davila Acosta^1,2, Nagwa Wilson³, and Elka Miller^4
1Diagnostic Imaging, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, ²Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, ³Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Canada, ⁴Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

MR enterography is state of art imaging in the assessment of small bowel. Use of techniques as DWI, Cine MR and dynamic post gadolinium enhancement increase the accuracy of this tool in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease and its complications. It helps to make the diagnosis, extension and severity of the disease in new patients and the response to treatment in patients under different kind of therapy.

Joseph Yacoub¹, Christine Schmid-Tannwald¹, Barbra White¹, Xiaobing Fan¹, David Rubin², and Aytekin Oto^1
1Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States, ²Gastroenterology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States

MRI is playing an increasing role in evaluating GI pathology and hence recognizing the findings of IBD on MRI will be increasing important. In addition, advanced MR sequences and MR Enterography have the potential for providing functional information which can be helpful in monitoring disease activity and response to treatment in Crohn’s disease.

Sung Bin Park^1
1Radiology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Ovarian cystic lesions are broad spectrum from physiologic, benign functional cyst to the malignant cystadenocarcinoma. Treatment of choice may often be problematic, especially in young reproductive women. Precise knowledge of clinical and imaging features, especially MR imaging is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining treatment.

Sung Bin Park^1
1Radiology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

The vast majority solid lesions are hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images and suggest malignancy. Rarely, however, some solid lesions may appear hypointense on those images. Causes for this uncommon appearance include deposition, related to the presence of blood degradation products, macromolecules and other conditions.

Andrew Dean Hardie^1
1Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States

MR Enterography can accurately identify the findings of Crohn's disease but more importantly can differentiate between patients requiring medical treatment and surgical treatment. A multi-parametric MRE protocol (including T2, diffusion, functional, and dynamic enhanced sequences) is essential to achieving a highly clinically focused examination.

Helen Clare Addley¹, Penelope Moyle², Caroline Reinhold¹, and Evis Sala^3
1Radiology, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, ²Hinchingbrooke Hospital, United Kingdom, ³Addenbrooke's Hospital, United Kingdom

Functional imaging in gynecological malignancy can provide additional information and the main teaching points of the exhibit are to illustrate its role by highlighting the pearls and pitfalls of functional imaging techniques.

Helen Clare Addley¹, Nesreen Abourokbah¹, Alla Khashper¹, and Caroline Reinhold^1
1Radiology, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the assessment of the indeterminate renal lesion can provide additional valuable information. The aim of the exhibit is to highlight the use of DWI in both the initial evaluation of the renal lesion and also in post treatment appearances.

Lewis K Shin^1,2, Andrew B Holbrook¹, Catherine E Chang¹, Juan M Santos³, Nancy J Fischbein⁴, Robson Capasso⁵, and Clete A Kushida^6
1Radiology / Lucas Center for MRI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ²PAVAHCS, Palo Alto, CA, United States, ³HeartVista Inc, Palo Alto, CA, ⁴Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ⁵Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ⁶Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States

We present a unique, real-time MRI protocol that images the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with synchronous polysomnography performed. OSA is a clinical disorder characterized by occlusion and/or narrowing of the upper airway occurring during sleep which results in breathing cessation (apnea) or decreased airflow (hypopnea). An overview of OSA, MRI technique utilized, polysomnography setup (e.g. EEG, EMG, EOG, and nasal/oral airflow monitoring) is reviewed. The potential utility of this protocol is illustrated by a clinical case where unexpected findings altered the planned surgery.

Habib Rahbar^1,2, Savannah Partridge^1,2, Wendy DeMartini^1,2, and Constance Lehman^1,2
1Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, ²Radiology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, United States

While breast MRI at higher field strength 3.0T technique promises many potential imaging benefits, technical, physical, and safety considerations present challenges for fully realizing these advantages. In this educational poster, we review the clinical utility of breast MRI, discuss techniques to optimize breast MRI at 3.0T, address specific challenges, and provide perspective on additional clinical issues.

Basak Erguvan Dogan¹, Jigfei Ma², and Gary J Whitman^3
1Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States, ²Imaging Physics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States, ³Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Using a proper, high-field-strength MR imaging system and an optimal imaging protocol are important for the accurate diagnosis of breast lesions on MRI. Difficulties involving breast positioning and choosing an appropriate imaging volume requires training MR imaging technologists and providing them with imaging-based feedback. Optimal in plane resolution and fat suppression are crucial to ensure state-of-the art image quality. Recognizing and correcting imaging artifacts such as suboptimal fat suppression, susceptibility, chemical shift, image wrap, RF noise) is essential to optimize clinical breast MRI imaging technique.

Alla Khashper¹, Helen Addley¹, Nesreen H. AbouRokbah¹, Evis Sala², and Caroline Reinhold^1
1McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, ²Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Endometrial cancer remains the most common neoplasia of the female reproductive tract. MRI provides important diagnostic information and aids in the correct staging of the disease. The main teaching points of the exhibit are to outline the new International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system of endometrial cancer and demonstrate typical MRI findings for each stage with an optimized imaging protocol and as such ensure triage into appropriate management pathways.

Jing Cai¹, and Fang-Fang Yin^1
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States

Perfusion MRI of the lungs has been intensively investigated in the filed of radiology in the past decade. Its application in radiation therapy, however, has been largely limited. There is an urgent need of incorporating information provided by perfusion MRI in radiation therapy to improve lung cancer treatment. This education poster provides a comprehensive review of all aspects of this particular application, including different radiation therapy techniques in treating lung cancers, different perfusion MRI techniques, recent clinical findings, and latest technical developments. Future research directions are also discussed.

Omar Saleh¹, Judy Rose James¹, and Manohar Roda^1
1Radiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States

Diffusion weighted MR imaging (DWI) is utilized in characterizing focal liver lesions. Based on institutional data, we will discuss how DWI analyzes focal liver lesions with not only qualitative data, but also quantitative data, which is based on ADC values from our institutional data set. This multi case presentation will demonstrate the advantages of DWI in oncologic body imaging. DWI has the functional advantages of PET, with better image resolution and redcuced background noise. Our presentation will also discuss how DWI can be used to analyze benign lesions, differentiate between malignant and benign lesions, follow up treated malignant lesions, and to detect micro-lesions that are too small to be detected on contrasted MR or PET.

Mukta Dilipkumar Agrawal¹, Zou Zhitong¹, Tiffany M Newman¹, Michelle Cerilles¹, Julie Vasile², Joshua L Levine², David R Greenspun², and Martin R Prince^1,3
1Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States, ²Center of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction, New York, NY, United States, ³Radiology, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, United States

Magnetic Resonance Angiography using blood pool contrast agents accurately images multiple donor sites in single study to identify small caliber perforator vessels and map their exact anatomy with respect to surface anatomic landmarks without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. This decreases operative time and post operative complications. This presentation will detail our experience with contrast enhanced MRA of multiple donor site for harvesting free flap for autologous breast reconstruction in over 100 mastectomy patients.

Isabelle Drolet¹, and Patricia Noël^2
1Radiology Department, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, ²Radiology Department, CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Soft tissue lipomatous tumors are common lesions frequently referred to MR imaging to confirm their lipomatous nature and to determine if a complex lipomatous tumor such as a liposarcoma must be considered. We will review the MR imaging features that are suggestive of a liposarcoma instead of a lipoma. The most important MR imaging features of the 5 subtypes of liposarcomas will also be described, with illustrative examples. Finally, the imaging characteristics of the benign variants of lipomatous tumors will be reviewed since their knowledge is important to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and refine the differential diagnosis.

Hatice Tuba SANAL¹, Sedat YILMAZ², Muhammet CINAR², Ayhan DINC², and Cem TAYFUN^2
1Gulhane Military medical Academy, Ankara, NA, Turkey, ²Gulhane Military medical Academy, Turkey

Ankylosing spondylitis is a common occurring chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease starting most often with sacroiliitis. The inflammation goes hand-in-hand with spondylitis, spondylodiscitis, and spondylarthritis in many of the cases. Arthritis of the peripheral joints, entheseal organs and fracture like complications may accompany as well. Here in this exhibit, we aimed to display the well known axial skeleton findings of AS together with some unrecognized, less observable ones.

Sedat YILMAZ¹, Muhammet CINAR¹, Hatice Tugba SANAL², Omer KARADAG¹, Yýldýrým KARSLIOGLU³, Ismail SIMSEK¹, Hakan ERDEM¹, Salih PAY¹, and Ayhan DINC^1
1Division of Rheumatology, Gulhane School of Medicine, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey, ²Department of Radiology, Gulhane School of Medicine, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey,³Department of Pathology, Gulhane School of Medicine, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey

Myositis is very rare involvement in Behcet Disease. MRI of the affected muscle helps to make diagnosis. It is important to note that it is a treatable condition. In the present study, we defined the typical findings of myositis in MRI.

Young Cheol Yoon^1
1Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

With this presentation, each of attendee is expected to understand the basic physics and clinical usefulness of isotropic turbo-spin echo sequences.

Christopher J François¹, Mark L Schiebler¹, Scott B Reeder¹, Michael P Hartung¹, and Scott K Nagle^1
1Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States

MRI has an increasing role in the diagnosis of three important causes of acute chest pain: (1) acute pulmonary embolism, (2) acute aortic syndrome, and (3) acute ischemic heart disease. This educational exhibit will review the indications for performing MRI, the MRI sequences used, and MRI findings for each of these life-threatening diagnoses.

Leonie Elisabeth Paulis¹, Bram Franciscus Coolen¹, Tessa Geelen¹, Klaas Nicolay¹, and Gustav Jacobus Strijkers^1
1Biomedical NMR, Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Recently, major progress has been made in the field of molecular MRI of mouse myocardial infarction. Contrast agents have been designed and successfully applied to image cell death, inflammation and LV remodeling. To visualize these contrast agents, dedicated MRI sequences are required. Specifically, T₁- and T₂-weighted sequences have been optimized, quantitative T₁ and T₂ mapping protocols have been developed and first-pass perfusion measurements have been implemented.

Moriel Vandsburger^1
1Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

This educational poster describes preparation, planning, and optimization of a variety of MRI applications for the study of heart function and failure in mouse models. Specific parameters of heart function and corresponding MRI applications will be discussed, as well as special considerations for mouse heart imaging.

TIRUR RAMAN. KAPILAMOORTHY KAPILAMOORTHY¹, Narendra Bodhey², and VK Ajit Kumar^2
1RADIOLOGY, S.C.T.I.M.S.T., TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, India, ²SCTIMST

The exhibit will study 1.The extent and pattern of myocardial involvement in different types of cardiomyopathy. 2. Study the LV /RV function and pattern of delayed contrast enhancement 3. Assess the feasibility of endocardectomy and subsequent follow up and 4. Differentiate endomyocardial fibrosis from other non-ischemic cardiomyopathies

Qi Yang¹, Kuncheng Li¹, Xiangying Du¹, and Debiao Li^2
1Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China, People's Republic of, ²Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

This education exhibit will provide an overview of the role of 3.0T contrast enhanced whole-heart coronary MRA for diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac disease. This course will also provide practical tricks as well as insight into new techniques for coronary MRA.

TIRUR RAMAN. KAPILAMOORTHY KAPILAMOORTHY¹, Narendra Bodhey², and Thomas Titus^2
1RADIOLOGY, S.C.T.I.M.S.T., TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, India, ²SCTIMST

Both superior and inferior venacaval anomalies are associated with complex congenital heart disease like various heterotaxy syndrome.The purpose of the exhibit is to define the role of MRI in depiction of vena caval anomalies.The efficacy of various sequences of MRI in depicting the lesion is studied.

Mark L Schiebler¹, Scott K Nagle¹, Christopher J Francois¹, Azita G Hamedani², Michael D Repplinger², Thomas M Grist¹, and Scott B Reeder^1,3
1Radiology, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States, ²Emergency Medicine, UW-Madison, ³Medical Physics, UW-Madison

Pulmonary embolism is an important cause of death. Diagnosis using non ionizing imaging is important for children and young adults. Reviewed here are the clinical indications for Pulmonary MRA in light the PIOPED III recommendations and the strengths and weaknesses of this modality. Specific attention to the imaging pitfalls is shown (i.e. Gibbs artifact and bolus timing). Recognition of these issues will improve the accuracy of Pulmonary MRA interpretation. Pulmonary MRA is a good alternative imaging modality to CTA in patients that are possibly impacted by medical radiation.

Mark L Schiebler¹, Scott B Reeder^1,2, Eric Bultman^2,3, Scott K Nagle¹, Oliver Wieben², and Christopher J François^1
1Radiology, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, United States, ²Medical Physics, UW-Madison, ³School of Medicine, UW-Madison

Non-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography (NCE-MRA) is useful for the workup of Renal Transplant patients that are recently post surgery. When renal function is altered in these patients, workup can include both Doppler ultrasound and NCE-MRA to evaluate for the presence of vascular complications. These patients are at a higher risk for the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis limiting the role of Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography. This educational exhibit will focus on the current state of the art for the NCE-MRA techniques that can be applied to study the commonly encountered vascular pathologies found after renal transplantation.

Jun Isogai¹, Takeshi Shimada², Hideo Hatakeyama², Mitsue Miyazaki³, Kenji Yodo⁴, and Tomoko Miyata^4
1Shuwa General Hospital, Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan, ²Hasuda Hospital, ³Toshiba Medical Research Institute, USA, United States, ⁴Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.�@

Visualization of small arteries of the finger and toe is quite difficult in using conventional non-contrast MR angiography (MRA) techniques, including time-of-flight (TOF) and phase contrast MRA, due to tortuous vessels out of plane and slow velocity. In addition, Gadolinium-enhanced MRA has also several problems on an injection rate or the amount of contrast materials. Due to the recent concerns of Gadolinium-related Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), non-contrast MRA solutions have gained interest. The time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (time-SLIP) MRA was investigated for the depiction of small arteries of the finger and toe.

Jae-Hun Kim¹, Yoo Na Kim¹, In Young Song¹, and Chin A Yi^1
1Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most important biomarkers of cancer. It can be visualized with dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) with pharmacokinetic parameters using diffusible tracer. The purpose is to demonstrate how to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters from DCE-MRI, and demonstrate usefulness of pharmacokinetic parameters for thoracic DCE-MR.

Yash Shah¹, Cameron Craddock², Stephen LaConte³, and Scott James Peltier^1
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, ²Baylor College of Medicine, Waco, Texas, United States, ³Baylor College of Medicine, Waco, Texas

This review covers the biophysical background of resting state functional connectivity.

Irtiza Ali Gilani¹, and Raimo Sepponen^2
1Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Low Temperature Laboratory, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland, ²Department of Electronics, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland

Recent technological developments, inspired by magnetoencephalography (MEG) source localization techniques, in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have resulted in advanced techniques that can provide millisecond temporal resolution. For applications such as hemodynamic based functional MRI and physiological monitoring, high temporal resolution is desirable. In this review, two techniques, i.e., dynamic magnetic resonance inverse imaging of human brain function (InI) and MR-Encephalography, are compared. Additionally, optimized sampling and reconstruction patterns for desired spatial and temporal resolution are hypothesized.

Boris Keil¹, Christin Y Sander^1,2, Veneta Tountcheva¹, Jennifer A McNab¹, Kyoko Fujimoto¹, Christina Triantafyllou^1,3, and Lawrence L Wald^1,4
1A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States, ²Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States, ³McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States, ⁴Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States

As the number of elements used in array coils increases, the complexity of the construction procedure also increases and a careful optimized workflow is required. The aim of this educational e-poster is to provide a multi-media, step-by-step procedure for constructing and bench testing a 32-channel phased-array coil. We describe an optimized protocol for constructing, tuning and decoupling the array coil showing video recording and network analyzer trace captures at each step. The methodology is demonstrated with the construction of a 32-channel pediatric brain array coil for 3T.

Michael C. Steckner¹, Georg Frese², Johan van den Brink³, and Daniel J Schaefer^4
1TMRU, Mayfield Village, OH, United States, ²Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany, ³Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands, ⁴General Electric Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, United States

While MRI manufacturers generally contra-indicate scanning patients with implants, the implants frequently carry the MR Conditional label. Implant labels imply safety under certain specific conditions. MRI users compare implant vendor labeling with the MRI Compatibility Technical Specification. Terminology can be confusing (“Spatial Gradient Fields” are not the switched spatial encoding imaging gradients) and there is misunderstanding of the intent and use of information provided by MR vendors. The result is requests to MR vendors for additional information. Members of the IEC 60601-2-33 committee who assisted in writing the Compatibility Technical Specification requirements, clarify the technical aspects of this issue here.

Nicola De Zanche^1,2, Adam Maunder¹, Tyler Charlton¹, Keith Wachowicz^1,2, and B. Gino Fallone^1,2
1Dept. of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, ²Dept. of Medical Physics, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Expressions are derived for the SNR resulting from four common methods of image combination from array data. Comparisons highlight fundamental differences and the roles of sensitivities and noise covariance.

Benoit Michel Schaller¹, Arthur William Magill^1,2, and Rolf Gruetter^1,3
1Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland, ²Department of Radiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, ³Department of Radiology, Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland

Current on the outside of coaxial cables produces unwanted effects such as radiation, sensitivity to external interference and probe sensitivity to cable positioning. This problem becomes significantly worse as frequency increases. Cable traps block current on the outside of the coaxial cable by creating a high impedance for the common mode signal, making the probe insensitive to different cable loading conditions. This study reviews wave propagation in coaxial cable, describes three common cable trap designs (ferrite, tank and bazooka), and presents a simple method for measuring trap effectiveness.

Patric Hagmann¹, Stephan Gerhard^1,2, Alessandro Daducci², Leila Cammoun², Elda Fischi², Alia Lemkaddem², Djalel Meskaldji², Xavier Gigandet², Reto Meuli¹, and Jean-Philippe Thiran^2
1Radiology, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland, ²LTS5, EPFL, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland

Connectome science emerges from the conjunction of several major technological and scientific developments. With the aim of making connectomics as accessible as possible to the scientific community we present our set of freely available tools to map the human connectome and provide a stepwise explanation on how to proceed from a raw MRI acquisition up to the network analysis.

Christian Federau¹, Reto Meuli¹, Philippe Maeder¹, and Patric Hagmann^1
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland

Separation of diffusion and perfusion signal is a possible application of the intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging method. While the measurement of diffusion showed a wide variety of clinical applications in the past 20 years, the measurement of perfusion using the IVIM method remained confined to a few sporadic publications, due to low signal-to-noise ratio, but showed nevertheless promising results. In the context of impressive improvements in the last few years in terms of both the hardware and software technology, the IVIM method for measuring perfusion is back in focus.

Jürgen Finsterbusch^1,2
1Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany, ²Neuroimage Nord, University Medical Centers Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck, Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck, Germany

In double-wave-vector diffusion-weighting experiments with short mixing times, an angular signal modulation is observed yielding a signal difference between parallel and antiparallel wave vector orientations. This effect is often considered to be surprising because the polarities of diffusion gradients usually do not affect the signal attenuation. Here, an illustrative depiction for this signal difference based on the spins’ phase evolution is presented which demonstrates the higher dephasing for the parallel orientation. Taking the populations of the phase states into account, the signal decays calculated for small gradient integrals differ by a factor of three as expected from the theory.

Thijs Dhollander^1,2, Wim Van Hecke^1,3, Frederik Maes^1,2, Stefan Sunaert^1,3, and Paul Suetens^1,2
1Medical Imaging Research Center (MIRC), K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ²Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ³Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of the K.U.Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

In the context of registration algorithms, the application of spatial transformations to images is crucial. This poses a challenge of its own for diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data, since the information in every voxel is dependent on the angular structure of the underlying tissue. After interpolation, an extra reorientation step to correct the data in each voxel is necessary. We review different reorientation strategies, starting from the basic methods that operate on the tensor from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and building up to full fiber orientation distribution function (fODF) retransformation and methods that work on the raw data in q-space.

Arastoo Vossough¹, Robert A. Zimmerman¹, and Tamara Feygin^1
1Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging has many potential clinical advantages over gadolinium based brain perfusion methods in the imaging of children. In this educational exhibit we will demonstrate the clinical utility of various neuroimaging applications of ASL perfusion in the pediatric population. Various clinical applications such as arterial ischemic stroke, moyamoya disease, hypoxic-ischemic injury, migraine, vascular malformations, congenital heart disease, and postradiation therapy will be illustrated. Use of ASL in the imaging evaluation of pediatric brain masses and tumors will be exemplified. Specific limitations and interpretive nuances in the use of ASL perfusion will be discussed.

Masaaki Hori¹, Shigeki Aoki¹, Koji Kamagata¹, Atsushi Nakanishi¹, Keigo Shimoji¹, Koichi Asahi¹, Haruyoshi Houshito¹, Ryohei Kuwatsuru¹, and Keisuke Sasai^1
1Radiology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan

The purpose of this exhibit is to present the MR angiography (MRA), including time-of –flight MRA, contrast-enhanced time-resolved MRA and non-contrast MR digital subtraction angiography characteristics of dural arterio-venous fistula (DAVF), to illustrate cases where MRAs is valuable in diagnosis, and to understand the limitation and pitfalls of each MRA method. Moreover, we will also discuss the suggestive sequence parameters and imaging option for each MRA in clinical use. In occlusion, complementary combination use of two or more MRA techniques will be helpful for diagnosis of DAVF.

Stéphanie CONDETTE-AULIAC¹, Anne BOULIN¹, Oguzhan COSKUN¹, and Georges RODESCH^1
1NEURORADIOLOGY, Hôpital FOCH, SURESNES, France

Spinal cord arterio venous shunts are rare lesions and often not well known. SCAVSs are divided into four groups depending of the localization, and the type of the shunt. The imaging findings are different for each of them. The first step in the diagnosis of vascular lesion is usually MRI and knowledge of those lesions will help us to choose the sequences and technical parameters, especially MRA in order to obtain all useful data of angio-architecture and consequences on spinal cord to properly diagnose those lesions and manage the patients. Imaging characteristics of each type of lesion will be detailed.

Anja Gwendolyn van der Kolk¹, Jaco JM Zwanenburg^1,2, Fredy Visser^1,3, Peter R Luijten¹, and Jeroen Hendrikse^1
1Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, ²Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands, ³Philips Healthcare, Best, Netherlands

High resolution anatomical imaging of the brain at 7.0 Tesla – for instance FLAIR, T₁-, T₂*- imaging and MR angiography – will be able to discern pathology and anatomical variations not seen at lower field strengths. It could therefore contribute to faster and more accurate diagnosing. In this Educational Review we show the clinical potential of the anatomically highly detailed images of the brain which can be obtained with 7.0 Tesla MRI. A series of illustrative 7.0 Tesla MRI patient examples will be included.

Yash Shah¹, and Scott James Peltier^1
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

This review covers the major MR findings for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Bejoy Thomas¹, Divyata Rajendra Hingwala¹, Chandrasekharan Kesavadas¹, Girish Menon², and Vishnupuri Venkataraman Radhakrishnan^3
1Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, ²Neurosurgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, ³Pathology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Advanced MR imaging features of Epidermoid tumors for accurate pre- operative diagnosis are described and their potential surgical implications are discussed.

Emiko Morimoto¹, Mitsunori Kanagaki¹, Akira Yamamoto¹, Tomohisa Okada¹, Seiko Kasahara¹, Satoshi Nakajima¹, Mami Iima¹, Ryo Sakamoto¹, and Kaori Togashi^1
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

The purpose of this presentation is to describe advantages of high-resolution 3D MR imaging of the sellar and parasellar regions using SPACE, inclusive of discussion on image characteristics of 3D-SPACE. High-resolution 3D MR imaging using SPACE has important advantages in the following points: 1) high-resolution volume images that allows multi-planer reconstruction, 2) less susceptibility artifact and 3) superior contrast of Gd-contrast agent. High-resolution 3D MR imaging using SPACE at 3T can be very helpful for imaging of complicated small anatomical structures at sellar and parasellar regions, which may be applicable at other regions such as brain stem or inner ear

Masaaki Hori¹, Yoshitaka Masutani², Ryo Sato^1,3, Koji Kamagata¹, Koichi Asahi¹, Nozomi Hamasaki¹, Shuji Satou¹, Atsushi Nakanishi¹, Keigo Shimoji¹, Haruyoshi Houshito¹, Ryohei Kuwatsuru¹, Keisuke Sasai¹, Masaru Takashima⁴, Yuriko Suzuki⁴, and Shigeki Aoki^1
1Radiology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan, ²Radiology, TheUniversity of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, ³Radiological Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan, ⁴Philips Electronics Japan, Tokyo, Japan

The purpose of this exhibit is to present the basics of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), normal DKI atlas of the brain, and to discuss clinical usefulness. DKI is recently developed technique that characterizes non-Gaussian water diffusion, which are different from conventional diffusional metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA). In some clinical situations, DKI has showed better results, compared with conventional FA or apparent diffusion coefficient investigation. This technique has potential to provide new and additional information to conventional diffusional metrics in routine clinical study.

Diego A. Herrera^1,2, Sergio A. Vargas^1,2, Jon E. Duque^1,2, and Arthur B. Dublin^3
1Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia, ²CediMed, Colombia, ³University of California Davis Medical Center, United States

In this E-Poster the authors review the use of anatomical MRI, fMRI, Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) and curvilinear reformatting in the diagnosis of the epileptogenic lesion and surgical planning. The imaging findings of several neuropathologic substrates of epilepsy are presented. Language lateralization by means of fMRI, and the application of memory, motor and visual paradigms are illustrated with clinical cases. Finally, post-processing based techniques like VBM applied to single subjects, and curvilinear reformatting of the brain are introduced.

Ruth L O'Gorman¹, Cornelia Hagmann¹, Hadwig Speckbacher¹, Brigitte Koller¹, Ajit Shankaranarayanan², David C Alsop^3,4, and Ernst Martin^1
1University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland, ²Global Applied Science Laboratory, GE Healthcare, Menlo Park, CA, United States, ³Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States, ⁴Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States

This study systematically addresses several potential sources of error and variability in the quantification of perfusion in neonates and young children using pulsed continuous arterial spin labelling (pCASL), including the vascular anatomy and the position of the labelling plane, vascular flow, transit time effects, and differences in blood T1. These effects are investigated in vivo and their impact on the accuracy of perfusion values is discussed. A pCASL acquisition and quantification protocol suitable for use in neonates is presented.

Chandrasekharan Kesavadas¹, Bejoy Thomas², Divyata Hingwala³, Ashalatha Radhakrishnan³, and Kurupath Radhakrishnan^3
1Imaging Sxciences and Interventional Radiology, SCTIMST, Trivandrum, Kerala, India, ²SCTIMST, India, ³SCTIMST

The educational poster will discuss on the classification of Focal cortical dysplasias (FCD), describe the conventional MRI findings in FCD with pathological correlation and describe the role of advanced MRI and image processing techniques in evaluating FCD

Amanda K. Wake¹, and John C. Gore^1
1Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States

The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the potential for using phase contrast MR (PCMR) to quantify cerebral blood flow to determine stroke risk in pediatric sickle cell disease patients. Because of the ramifications of cerebrovascular accidents in this patient population, it is vital to accurately assess cerebral blood flow, and phase contrast MR (PCMR) is singularly well suited for this application.

Keiichi Kikuchi¹, Yoshiyasu Hiratsuka¹, Shogo Oda¹, Shohei Kohno², Hideaki Watanabe², Shiro Ohue², Teruhito Mochizuki¹, and Kenya Murase^3
1Radiology, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan, ²Neurosurgery, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan, ³Medical Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Japan

We demonstrate three alternative combination to obtain two different dynamic data in one MR examination. A combination of 4D-MRA and DSC-MRI (MR perfusion) is considered for patients with cerebral occlusive vascular disease. Another combination involves acetazolamide (ACZ) loading. DSC-MRI can be performed before and after ACZ administration. For brain tumor cases, a combination of a T1W dynamic study (DCE-MRI) and DSC-MRI can be used.

Koji Kamagata¹, Shigeki Aoki¹, Yumiko Motoi¹, Masaaki Hori¹, Atsushi Nakanishi¹, Keigo Shimoji¹, Ryohei Kuwatsuru¹, Keisuke Sasai¹, and Nobutaka Hattori^1
1juntendo university, Tokyo, bunkyouku, Japan

We reviewed conventional and advanced MR imaging of Parkinson disease. Using DTI, FA in the substantia nigra and cingulum reduced in PD patients compared to normal controls. ASL showed hypoperfusion in the occipital lobes. Advanced technique such as DTI and ASL may clarify new pathophysiological changes of PD and help early diagnosis and monitoring of PD.

Chandrasekharan Kesavadas¹, Bejoy Thomas², Tirur Raman Kapilamoorthy³, and V V Radhakrishnan^3
1Imaging Sxciences and Interventional Radiology, SCTIMST, Trivandrum, Kerala, India, ²SCTIMST, India, ³SCTIMST

The educational poster will review the role of advanced MRI techniques of perfusion imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging and MR spectroscopy in grading glioma.

Guillaume Madelin¹, Alexej Jerschow², and Ravinder R Regatte^1
1Radiology Department, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States, ²Chemistry Department, New York University, New York, NY, United States

Sodium MRI is clinically interesting as it gives biochemical information non-invasively. The nucleus of the 23Na+ ion has a spin 3/2 with a quadrupolar moment that interacts with the surrounding electric field gradients and leads to biexponential T1 and T2. Multiple quantum filters can be used to discriminate between slow motion nuclei (intracellular) and fast motion (extracellular). Because of the sodium short T2, ultrashort TE sequences and high field systems are used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce the acquisition time. Biomedical applications are mainly: neurology (brain tumors, MS, Alzheimer's), MSK (cartilage, skeletal muscle), cardiac, body (breast, kidney, spine). Limitations of sodium MRI and perspectives are presented.

Atiyah Yahya^1,2
1Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, ²Department of Medical Physics, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada

The PRESS sequence is a versatile sequence for spectral editing. Its structure lends itself to the incorporation of a number of spectral editing techniques that can be employed for the detection of a variety of metabolites in vivo. The purpose of the proposed educational e-poster is to describe a number of PRESS based spectral editing methods that have been designed for the detection of a number of key metabolites in vivo.

Ulf Jensen-Kondering¹, and Olav Jansen^1
1University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Institute of Neuroradiology, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Classically, fat, proteins, gadolinium, melanin and blood are considered to appear hyperintense in T1w images. Additionally, e.g. flow, calcium, manganese can appear hyperintense as well. The mechanisms leading to this appearance are different: short spin-lattice relaxation time (proteins, fat), modification of the magnet field (melanin, gadolinium), and “time of flight effect” (flow).

Irtiza Ali Gilani¹, and Raimo Sepponen^2
1Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Low Temperature Laboratory, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland, ²Department of Electronics, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland

Intrinsic short repetition times and short data acquisition periods of the balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) fMRI scheme allows 3D, distortion-free, isotropic and high-resolution MR imaging. In this work, the principles of classification of the bSSFP fMRI methods for the brain are reviewed. Different modeling methodologies for bSSFP functional contrast are described. Furthermore, a nonbalanced SSFP fMRI is also reviewed. Feasibility analysis of balanced and non-balanced techniques at the high and ultra-high magnetic fields is presented. Additionally, new models for SSFP fMRI contrast in the brain are suggested.

Nikola Stikov¹, Christine L Tardif¹, Joelle K Barral², Ives Levesque², and G Bruce Pike^1
1Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, ²Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States

In this educational abstract, we provide an overview of the main T₁ mapping methods and we outline the challenges in performing quantitative T₁ measurement. We describe the gold standard (Inversion Recovery), as well as two widely used alternative methods (Look-Locker and Variable Flip Angle) that speed up the scanning and fitting procedures at the expense of accuracy and precision. The e-poster will include sample T₁ maps of phantoms and in-vivo human brains acquired with each of the above methods, and it will provide a list of useful T₁ mapping references.

Julian Maclaren¹, Oliver Speck², and Maxim Zaitsev^1
1Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ²Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany

Prospective motion correction is a means to avoid motion artifacts in MR imaging of the brain. This educational e-poster explains how the technique works and reviews the latest developments. Particular emphasis is placed on the various tracking mechanisms currently used to obtain the required head motion data. Finally, a number of effects that introduce errors into the correction process are described, including B0 distortions, gradient non-linearities, and non-uniform coil sensitivity profiles, among others. The aim of this work is to clearly explain the state of the art and to motivate future work in the field.

Lars G. Hanson^1,2
1Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark, ²Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Teaching of basic NMR and MRI techniques often involves a fair amount of hand-waving, literally, in order to explain concepts such as resonance, rotating frames, dephasing, refocusing, sequences and imaging. Using a freely available, interactive, graphical simulator that runs directly in any web browser, the presentation introduces fundamental MR techniques in a way that encourages further experimentation. As an example of a basic technique, the NMR phenomenon is visualized. One-dimensional k-space imaging is demonstrated to exemplify the advanced capabilities of the software that is designed for use by lecturers and students.

David Pilutti¹, Claudia Weidensteiner¹, Martin Büchert¹, Ulrike Fasol¹, and Stathis Hadjidemetriou^1
1Radiology - Medical Physics, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

Efficient image registration applied to DCE-MRI in abdominal region is still an open problem. Because of its high dimensionality and non rigid displacement, the problem is not trivial and there are margins to improve the performance of registration techniques. In our work we took an overview of some recent works and techniques used for the automatic analysis of abdominal DCE-MRI.

Brian A Hargreaves¹, Garry E Gold¹, John M Pauly², Kim Butts Pauly¹, and Kevin M Koch^3
1Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ²Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States, ³Applied Science Lab, General Electric Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, United States

Metallic implants cause large, varying shifts in resonanct frequency that cause signal loss, distortion, and “pile-up” artifacts in MR images. The origin of different distortion artifacts is due to the use of frequency-selective excitation and imaging, and can be explained intuitively. Similarly, the mechanisms of various correction techniques such as high-bandwidth, view-angle tilting and additional phase-encoding are graphically demonstrated. Examples of artifacts and different types of correction are shown for different types of metallic implants in different anatomic locations.

Irtiza Ali Gilani¹, and Raimo Sepponen^2
1Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Low Temperature Laboratory, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland, ²Department of Electronics, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland

Rotating frame relaxation rates, T1 and T2, are noninvasive and sensitive markers of the neurodegeneration processes in diseases, such as, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. A comprehensive review of contemporary MRI methods, that can be employed to probe the biophysical mechanisms affecting the T1 and T2 relaxations of the human tissue, is presented. Spin-Locking and adiabatic radiofrequency irradiation schemes are compared. Additionally, different MRI acquisition strategies for accurate and precise quantitative imaging at the high and ultra-high magnetic field are reviewed.

Walter RT Witschey¹, Silvia Mangia², Shalom Michaeli², Michael Garwood², Ravinder Reddy³, Jürgen Hennig¹, and Maxim Zaitsev^1
1Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg i. Breisgau, Baden Württemburg, Germany, ²CMRR, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States,³CMROI, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States

It's all radiofrequency, all the time. This educational e-poster explores some of the similarities between conventional continuous wave spin lock and balanced steady-state free precession sequence. By comparing the transient and steady-states of the two techniques, further insight is gained into the physical origins of the endogenous contrast generated by RF pulses.

Lars G. Hanson^1,2
1Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark, ²Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

The presentation shows that MR is a classical phenomenon that can be understood intuitively by everybody. The special case of nuclear magnetic resonance has additional complexity, but is accurately described by classical mechanics and is also understood relatively easily. Nevertheless, the typical explanation of basic MR relies on confusing concepts from quantum mechanics (QM). It takes outset in the claim that nuclei align either parallel or anti-parallel to the main magnetic field. This non-intuitive claim is inspired, but not supported by QM. An established alternative explanation consistent with QM is presented using graphical tools. It can improve understanding considerably.

Curtis Andrew Corum¹, Djaudat Idiyatullin¹, Steen Moeller¹, Ryan Chamberlain¹, Robert O'Connell¹, and Michael Garwood^1
1CMRR, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States

We review the basics of the SWIFT sequence. Due to the short T2 sensitivity and rapid RF switching, there are unique hardware requirements for implementing SWIFT. Also due to the frequency swept pulse and interleaved signal reception, there are novel signal processing and correction strategies.

ESMERALDA RUIZ PUJADAS¹, MARTIN BUECHERT¹, MICHAEL WEINER², and STATHIS HADJIDEMETRIOU^1
1Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ²Department of Radiology, VA Medical Center, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco, United States

Image segmentation plays an important role in many medical imaging applications to evaluate possible diseases in patients. But mostly medical images contain noise and low contrast and a lot of methods are being proposed to solve specific problems. Then, our study is based on the application of normalized cuts, a general segmentation algorithm, for MRI images. This method is robust to noise and initialization and it has also been used for medical segmentation giving promising results. We describe the method and combine it with the nyström approximation to reduce the computational cost. Some results are shown.