Biomedical subjects

Lawrence Dougherty

Publications and source records attributed to Lawrence Dougherty.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

High frame-rate simultaneous bilateral breast DCE-MRI.

A simultaneous bilateral back-projection method for 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI of the breasts was developed and evaluated. Using a double-side band modulation of the RF slab excitation pulse, discontinuous volumes that included both breasts were simultaneously selected. The number of slice phase-encoding steps was undersampled by a factor of 2, and the resulting signal aliasing from one volume to the other was removed using SENSE processing. In-plane encoding was performed with an interleaved radial acquisition reconstructed using dynamic k-space-weighted image contrast (KWIC) temporal filtering. Image resolution was 0.5 x 0.5 x 3.0 mm(3) with an effective temporal resolution of 15 s for both breast volumes. Combined with the 2x acceleration from SENSE encoding, this is a 16x acceleration factor over a conventional MR bilateral breast scan. An initial evaluation of these methods was performed on a cohort of women who presented with palpable or mammographically visible breast abnormalities. A total of 73 abnormalities were found in 45 of the 54 bilateral examinations that were performed. In 11 of these cases there was a significant finding in the contralateral breast. DCE images of both breasts can be acquired simultaneously, resulting in high-resolution images as well as rapid sampling of the contrast kinetics.

Breast↗

PubMed2006

Use of an optical flow method for the analysis of serial CT lung images.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Serial CT lung studies are difficult to compare due to misregistration between image sets. An optical flow method (OFM) was adapted for use on CT lung images to register images and visualize changes between studies. Three applications were investigated: lung nodule assessment; evaluation of pulmonary enhancement; and functional changes due to air trapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From an initial clinical study, a follow-up study was created by digitally manipulating the images to simulate patient positioning errors and nodule growth. Nodule growth was measured from the temporal subtraction of registered images. In application to the assessment of pulmonary enhancement, pre and postcontrast images from a patient with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) were registered. A map of the perfused blood volume was computed from the ratio of aligned lung volumes. Functional changes in the lung were demonstrated using images from a patient with air trapping. End-inspiratory and end-expiratory volumes were aligned and displacement fields estimated using the OFM. Principal strains were computed from the displacement fields. RESULTS: All image volumes were aligned with at least 0.95 correlation. OFM estimates of displacement showed excellent agreement with the prescribed displacements with 0.33 pixel RMS error. Nodule growth was evident in the presence of significant positioning errors. In the PE case, enhancement ratios indicated a hypoperfused area consistent with an occlusive hypodense filling defect. For the air trapping case, a strain map showed functional changes along the interface of the air trap. CONCLUSIONS: The OFM can facilitate the detection and quantification of changes between serial CT lung studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Pharyngeal airway wall mechanics using tagged magnetic resonance imaging during medial hypoglossal nerve stimulation in rats.

To better understand pharyngeal airway mechanics as it relates to the pathogenesis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea, we have developed a novel application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with non-invasive tissue tagging to measure pharyngeal wall tissue motion during active dilatation of the airway. Eleven anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically prepared with platinum electrodes for bilateral stimulation of the medial branch of the hypoglossus nerve that supplies motor output to the protrudor and intrinsic tongue muscles. Images of the pharyngeal airway were acquired before and during stimulation using a gated multislice, spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) imaging protocol in a 4.7 T magnet. The tag pulses, applied before stimulation, created a grid pattern of magnetically imbedded dark lines that revealed tissue motion in images acquired during stimulation. Stimulation significantly increased cross-sectional area, and anteroposterior and lateral dimensions in the oropharyngeal and velopharyngeal airways when results were averaged across the rostral, mid- and caudal pharynx (P < 0.001). Customized software for tissue motion-tracking and finite element-analysis showed that changes in airway size were associated with ventral displacement of tissues in the ventral pharyngeal wall in the rostral, mid- and caudal pharyngeal regions (P < 0.0032) and ventral displacement of the lateral walls in the mid- and caudal regions (P < 0.0001). In addition, principal maximum stretch was significantly increased in the lateral walls (P < 0.023) in a ventral-lateral direction in the mid- and caudal pharyngeal regions and principal maximum compression (perpendicular to stretch) was significantly increased in the ventral walls in all regions (P < 0.0001). Stimulation did not cause lateral displacement of the lateral pharyngeal walls at any level. The results reveal that the increase in pharyngeal airway size resulting from stimulation of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve is predominantly due to ventral displacement of the ventral and lateral pharyngeal walls.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Dynamic MRI with projection reconstruction and KWIC processing for simultaneous high spatial and temporal resolution.

A method for dynamic imaging in MRI is presented that enables the acquisition of a series of images with both high temporal and high spatial resolution. The technique, which is based on the projection reconstruction (PR) imaging scheme, utilizes distinct data acquisition and reconstruction strategies to achieve this simultaneous capability. First, during acquisition, data are collected in multiple undersampled passes, with the view angles interleaved in such a way that those of subsequent passes bisect the views of earlier ones. During reconstruction, these views are weighted according to a previously described k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) technique that enables the manipulation of image contrast by selective filtering. Unlike conventional undersampled PR methods, the proposed dynamic KWIC technique does not suffer from low image SNR or image degradation due to streaking artifacts. The effectiveness of dynamic KWIC is demonstrated in both simulations and in vivo, high-resolution, contrast-enhanced imaging of breast lesions.

Artifacts↗

PubMed2004

A modified logistic model to describe gadolinium kinetics in breast tumors.

A five-parameter modified logistic equation is presented that describes the signal enhancement in magnetic resonance dynamic contrast enhanced imaging (MRI-DCE). In this heuristic model, P(1) approximates the baseline signal, P(2) is related to the magnitude of the peak signal enhancement, P(3) is the approximate time of the maximum rate of increase of signal, P(4) is related to the maximum rate of signal enhancement, and P(5) is the terminal slope of the signal enhancement curve. Six breast tumors were studied that exhibited diverse patterns of signal enhancement, and in each case, estimated model parameters were well identified. Three of the model parameters, P(2), P(4) and P(5) describe attributes of the signal enhancement curve that have previously been shown to have diagnostic value with respect to breast cancer. Procedures for using the primary model parameters to derive a number of secondary parameters that may also have diagnostic value are discussed. Sensitivity analysis shows that the signal enhancement curve is highly sensitive to P(3) in the region of the signal intensity curve associated with rapid uptake of the contrast reagent. Consequently, frequent signal sampling in this time domain is indicated to enable identification of P(3) and sensitive fitting of the signal intensity curve. The advantages of this heuristic model compared to commonly used compartmental modeling approaches are discussed.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed2004

In vivo measurements of human brain displacement.

Finite element models are increasingly important in understanding head injury mechanisms and designing new injury prevention equipment. Although boundary conditions strongly influence model responses, only limited quantitative data are available. While experimental studies revealed some motion between brain and skull, little data exists regarding the base of the skull. Using magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the caudal brain regions, we measured in vivo, quasi-static angular displacement of the cerebellum (CB) and brainstem (BS) relative to skull, and axial displacement of BS at the foramen magnum in supine human subjects (N=5). Images were obtained in flexion (7 degrees - 54 degrees ) and neutral postures using SPAMM tagging technique (N=47 pairs). Rigid body skull rotation angle from neutral posture (theta, degrees) was determined by extracting the edge feature points of the skull, and rotating and displacing the coordinates in one image until they matched those in the other. Tissue rotation was obtained by comparing tag lines in image pairs before and after flexion, and the motion of BS and CB were expressed relative to skull rotation and displacement. During flexion, the CB rotated in the flexion direction, exceeding the skull rotation, but relative BS rotations were negligible. Meanwhile, the BS moved caudally toward the foramen magnum. With a flexion angle of 54 degrees , the 95% confidence interval for the relative CB rotation was 2.7 degrees - 4.3 degrees , and 0.8 - 1.6mm for the relative BS axial displacement. Albeit quasi-static, this study provides important data that can be implemented to create more life-like boundary conditions in human finite element models.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

A direct comparison of signal behavior between 4.0 and 1.5 T: a phantom study.

INTRODUCTION: Higher magnetic fields (>or=3 T) afford higher spatial and/or temporal resolution in MR imaging with contrast agents, however, studies containing direct comparisons of signal intensity among different magnetic fields are substantially sparse. Our aim was to quantify the differences in terms of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between higher and lower (<or=1.5 T) magnetic fields and to clarify the benefit of higher magnetic fields. METHODS: The same sets of phantom experiments were conducted at both 4 and 1.5 T on whole-body MR scanners with head coils. Phantoms included different concentrations of Gd chelate water solution. A standard contrast-enhanced MR angiographic sequence with the same imaging parameters was utilized to confirm changes in signal intensities. Furthermore, the results were compared with a computer simulation. RESULTS: Peak SNRs at 4 T increased at least 2.21 times higher compared with those at 1.5 T. Moreover, peak CNRs at 4 T increased at least 1.59 times higher compared with those at 1.5 T in the range of Gd concentration expected during clinical use. CONCLUSION: Higher magnetic fields benefit CNRs as well as SNRs. These advantages may lead to a high resolution imaging and reduction of scan time.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2003

Abdominal imaging at 4 T MR system: a preliminary result.

In this study, the potential for abdominal MR images at 4 T using a tailored coil was demonstrated using healthy volunteers. These images were compared with those obtained in the same subject at 1.5 T to discuss whether 4 T would be superior to 1.5 T in abdominal imaging. MR images at 4 T were characterized by high contrast and signal-to-noise ratios, more than 2.95 times higher than those at 1.5 T. In conclusion, abdominal MR imaging at 4 T was feasible. Furthermore, abdominal MR imaging at 4 T was superior to that at 1.5 T in qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2003

Alignment of CT lung volumes with an optical flow method.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate an optical flow method for registering serial computed tomographic (CT) images of lung volumes to assist physicians in visualizing and assessing changes between CT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The optical flow method is a coarse-to-fine model-based motion estimation technique for estimating first a global parametric transformation and then local deformations. Five serial pairs of CT images of lung volumes that were misaligned because of patient positioning, respiration, and/or different fields of view were used to test the method. RESULTS: Lung volumes depicted on the serial paired images initially were correlated at only 28%-68% because of misalignment. With use of the optical flow method, the serial images were aligned to at least 95% correlation. CONCLUSION: The optical flow method enables a direct comparison of serial CT images of lung volumes for the assessment of nodules or functional changes in the lung.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

Effects of iodinated contrast and field strength on gadolinium enhancement: implications for direct MR arthrography.

PURPOSE: To optimize direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography by determining the effect of dilution of gadolinium in iodinated contrast, saline, or albumin on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gradient-recalled echo (GRE) images, and the effect of scanner field strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gadopentetate dimeglumine was diluted into normal saline, albumin, or iodinated contrast (0.625 mmol/liter to 40 mmol/liter). Samples were scanned at 1.5T and 0.2T. Signal intensity was measured using T1-weighted spin-echo (SE), T2-weighted SE, and two- and three-dimensional GRE (20 degrees-75 degrees flip angle) sequences. Graphical analysis of signal intensity vs. gadolinium concentration was performed. RESULTS: Albumin had no effect on gadolinium contrast. Dilution of gadolinium in iodinated contrast decreased signal intensity on all sequences compared to samples of identical concentration diluted in saline at both 1.5T and 0.2T: with a 2 mmol/liter gadolinium solution at 1.5T, signal was decreased by 26.1% on T1-weighted images, 31.7% on GRE20 images, and 28.9% on GRE45 images, and the T2 value decreased by 71.1%; at 0.2T, signal was decreased by 23.5% on T1-weighted images. On all sequences, the peak signal shifted to the left (lower gadolinium concentration) when diluted in iodinated contrast. Peak signal was also seen at different gadolinium concentrations on different sequences and field strength: at 1.5T, peak in saline/iodine was 2.5/0.625 mmol/liter on T1-weighted images, and 2.5/1.25 mmol/liter on GRE20 and GRE45 sequences. At 0.2T, peak in saline/iodine was 0.625-2.5/1.25 mmol/liter on T1-weighted images, 0.625-2.5/1.25 on GRE45 images, 2.5-10.0/1.25-5.0 mmol/liter on GRE65 images, and 1.25-5.0/0.625-1.25 mmol/liter on GRE75 images. CONCLUSION: Dilution of gadolinium in iodinated contrast results in decreased signal on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and GRE images compared to dilution in saline or albuminfor both 1.5-T and 0.2-T scanners; if gadolinium is diluted in iodinated contrast for MR arthrography, a lower concentration should be used because the peak is shifted to the left. The use of iodinated contrast should be minimized, as it may diminish enhancement and lower the sensitivity and specificity of MR arthrography. Optimal gadolinium concentration for MR arthrography is dependent on scanner field strength and a broader range of gadolinium concentration can be used to provide maximal signal at low field strength.

Arthrography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

High field body MR imaging: preliminary experiences.

Whole-body magnetic resonance (MR) scanners at high field strengths (> or =3 T) have been introduced in expectation of a larger signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which would decrease the length of scan time or improve the spatial resolution. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the high field MR imaging are discussed. Although the building of the radio frequency (RF) coil, safety and the specific absorption rate (SAR) are issues, the application of high field MR imaging is promising. The optimization of all parameters including injection rate of Gd-DTPA is necessary for high field MR imaging to obtain maximal results; however, we hope that high field MR imaging can be used in routine clinical applications in the future.

Contrast Media↗