USPIO enhanced lymph node MRI using 3D multi ‐echo GRE in a rabbit model

In this study, we investigate the specific performance of three different parametric approaches (normalized signal intensity, R2* and susceptibility) using 3D multi‐echo gradient echo to quantify the USPIO particles in lymph nodes. Nine rabbits with VX2 tumor implants were scanned before and after USPIO injection. From 3D multi‐echo GRE magnitude and phase data, we generated multi‐echo combined T2*‐weighted images, an R2* map, and a quantitative susceptibility map. Eighteen lymph nodes (nine reactive and nine metastatic) were evaluated and showed remarkable signal drops in the area of USPIO accumulation. On parametric analysis, the R2* difference before and after USPIO injection was significantly different (p < 0.05) between reactive and metastatic lymph nodes; in contrast, the normalized signal intensity and susceptibility were not significantly different between the nodes. Our study showed the potential utility of USPIO‐enhanced MRI using R2* mapping from 3D multi‐echo GRE for the detection of lymph node metastasis and parametric analysis of lymph node status in a rabbit model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From 3D multi‐echo GRE data, multi‐echo combined T2*‐weighted images, an R2* map, and a quantitative susceptibility map (QSM) were generated. Eighteen lymph nodes (nine reactive and nine metastatic) were evaluated and showed remarkable signal changes in the area of USPIO accumulation. The R2* difference before and after USPIO inj...

Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 14, 2016 Category: Radiology Authors: Sung Hun Kim, Soon Nam Oh, Hyun Seok Choi, Hyun Sil Lee, Jaeseop Jun, Yoonho Nam, Sung Hak Lee, Jin ‐Kwon Lee, Hae Giu Lee Tags: Full paper Source Type: research