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High-resolution anatomy of the human brain stem using 7-T MRI: improved detection of inner structures and nerves?

  • Diagnostic Neuroradiology
  • Published:
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Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to assess the value of 7 Tesla (7 T) MRI for the depiction of brain stem and cranial nerve (CN) anatomy.

Methods

Six volunteers were examined at 7 T using high-resolution SWI, MPRAGE, MP2RAGE, 3D SPACE T2, T2, and PD images to establish scanning parameters targeted at optimizing spatial resolution. Direct comparisons between 3 and 7 T were performed in two additional subjects using the finalized sequences (3 T: T2, PD, MPRAGE, SWAN; 7 T: 3D T2, MPRAGE, SWI, MP2RAGE). Artifacts and the depiction of structures were evaluated by two neuroradiologists using a standardized score sheet.

Results

Sequences could be established for high-resolution 7 T imaging even in caudal cranial areas. High in-plane resolution T2, PD, and SWI images provided depiction of inner brain stem structures such as pons fibers, raphe, reticular formation, nerve roots, and periaqueductal gray. MPRAGE and MP2RAGE provided clear depiction of the CNs. 3D T2 images improved depiction of inner brain structure in comparison to T2 images at 3 T. Although the 7-T SWI sequence provided improved contrast to some inner structures, extended areas were influenced by artifacts due to image disturbances from susceptibility differences.

Conclusions

Seven-tesla imaging of basal brain areas is feasible and might have significant impact on detection and diagnosis in patients with specific diseases, e.g., trigeminal pain related to affection of the nerve root. Some inner brain stem structures can be depicted at 3 T, but certain sequences at 7 T, in particular 3D SPACE T2, are superior in producing anatomical in vivo images of deep brain stem structures.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Lena Schäfer for assistance in scanning. We also thank the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Wellcome Trust and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for study funding.

Conflict of interest

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Elke R. Gizewski & Benjamin Dassinger

  2. Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Stefan Maderwald & Mark E. Ladd

  3. Department of Neuroradiology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany

    Jennifer Linn & Katja Bochmann

  4. Department of Neuroradiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany

    Benjamin Dassinger

  5. Departments of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Michael Forsting & Mark E. Ladd

Authors
  1. Elke R. Gizewski
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  2. Stefan Maderwald
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  3. Jennifer Linn
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  4. Benjamin Dassinger
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  5. Katja Bochmann
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  6. Michael Forsting
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  7. Mark E. Ladd
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Correspondence to Elke R. Gizewski.

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Gizewski, E.R., Maderwald, S., Linn, J. et al. High-resolution anatomy of the human brain stem using 7-T MRI: improved detection of inner structures and nerves?. Neuroradiology 56, 177–186 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-013-1312-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-013-1312-0

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