Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Feeding and Swallowing in a Sitting Position Using a Vertical Open MR System

采用0.5 t SIGNA-SP开放式系统进行磁共振成像（MRI）。设计了一个带靠背的座椅，使受试者的头部和颈部能够正确地位于磁铁龙门的中心。所有图像都使用快速破坏梯度召回序列获得。我们使用垂直打开的磁共振系统观察坐姿吞咽的运动。在获取图像的同时，受试者可以用杯子或勺子自行口服造影剂。口腔期动态图像较咽部期清晰。与影像透视相比，动态MRI在吞咽的时间分辨率上较差。吞咽的动态MRI，提供不同方向的断层图像。相应地，视频荧光成像提供x射线、透视图像，用于牙齿、下颌骨和造影剂的重叠图像。动态磁共振成像在观察和测量舌背的进口、维持和运输以及运输到咽部方面可能更优越，没有重叠的图像。如果要提高时间分辨率，可以获得3维和4维图像（动态3维图像构造）。还可以将有关生理运动的信息应用于吞咽疾病的诊断。随着核磁共振成像技术的进步，目前适用于吞咽评估的系统可能会得到改进。

Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) was performed using a 0.5-T SIGNA-SP open-configuration system. A seat with a back support was built to allow subjects to be seated with their head and neck properly located at the center of the magnet gantry. All images were acquired using a Fast Spoiled Gradient Recalled sequence. We observed the motion of swallowing in the sitting position using a vertically open Magnetic Resonance System. Subjects could self-administer the contrast medium by mouth, using a cup or a spoon, while the images were acquired. Dynamic images in the oral phase were clearer than those in the pharyngeal phase.Compared with videofluorography, dynamic MRI is inferior in temporal resolution with regard to visualization of swallowing. Dynamic MRI of swallowing, provides tomography images in different orientations. Correspondingly, videofluorography provides x-ray, fluoroscopic images that are used in overlapping images of teeth, mandible, and contrast medium. Dynamic MR imaging may be superior for observing and measuring the import, maintenance, and transport of the dorsum of the tongue and transportation to the pharynx, without overlapping images.If temporal resolution were to be improved, 3-and 4-dimensional images (dynamic 3-dimensional image constructs) could be obtained. It is also possible to apply information regarding physiological movement to the diagnosis of diseases of swallowing. With recent advances in MRI technology, the current system, which is suitable for evaluating swallowing, might be improved.