4.4 Article

Optimization of the image contrast for the developing fetal brain using 3D radial VIBE sequence in 3 T magnetic resonance imaging

Journal

BMC MEDICAL IMAGING
Volume 22, Issue 1, Pages -

Publisher

BMC
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-022-00737-1

Keywords

Fetal brain; Radial VIBE sequence; MRI; Image quality; Development

Funding

  1. National Key Research and Development Program of China [2017YFC0109004]

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This study optimized the radial VIBE sequence to obtain qualitative evaluation of T1-weighted images of the fetal brain. The radial VIBE sequence with a 9° flip angle provides high-quality images for evaluating the structure and development of the fetal brain. However, different scanners may require re-optimization of the parameters.
Background Faster and motion robust magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are desirable in fetal brain MRI. T1-weighted images are essential for evaluating fetal brain development. We optimized the radial volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence for qualitative T1-weighted images of the fetal brain with improved image contrast and reduced motion sensitivity. Materials and methods This was an institutional review board-approved prospective study. Thirty-five pregnant subjects underwent fetal brain scan at 3 Tesla MRI. T1-weighted images were acquired using a 3D radial VIBE sequence with flip angles of 6o, 9o, 12o, and 15o. T1-weighted images of Cartesian VIBE sequence were acquired in three of the subjects. Qualitative assessments including image quality and motion artifact severity were evaluated. The image contrast ratio between gray and white matter were measured. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability universally revealed almost perfect agreement (ICC > 0.800). Significant differences in image quality were detected in basal ganglia (P = 0.023), central sulcus (P = 0.028), myelination (P = 0.007) and gray matter (P = 0.023) among radial VIBE with flip angles 6o, 9o, 12o, 15o. Image quality at the 9o flip angle in radial VIBE was generally better than flip angle of 15o. Radial VIBE sequence with 9o flip angle of gray matter was significantly different by gestational age (GA) before and after 28 weeks (P = 0.036). Quantified image contrast was significantly different among different flip angles, consistent with qualitative analysis of image quality. Conclusions Three-dimensional radial VIBE with 9o flip angle provides optimal, stable T1-weighted images of the fetal brain. Fetal brain structure and development can be evaluated using high-quality images obtained using this angle. However, different scanners will achieve different TRs and so the FA should be re-optimized each time a new protocol is employed.

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