Dynamic Composite Multi-Gradient Systems for Advanced MRI

描述(申请人提供)：用于先进磁共振成像的动态复合多梯度系统摘要：本项目将使用一种新颖的复合梯度系统来测试通过磁共振成像获得的内耳和中耳解剖的精细结构图像，最终，通过在传统的典型幅度40到45mT/m和摆动速率200T/m/S的基础上增加梯度性能，可以极大地提高内耳和中耳病理的诊断。该梯度系统将同时将系统的身体梯度和插入头部的梯度相结合，以实现在速度和幅度上比单独的身体梯度高近3倍的梯度性能。由于内耳的病变需要非常高的空间分辨率，这往往超出了传统MRI扫描仪的能力，因此本研究中提出的检测这些病变的实验是提高复合梯度性能的理想测试。通过确定突发性感音神经性耳聋的原因，可以在疾病处理的早期指定适当的治疗方法。对内淋巴积水的客观测试将有助于改善梅尼埃病及相关疾病的诊断和治疗监测。通过准确区分残留的胆脂瘤和中耳的其他非肿瘤组织，该项目可以消除许多不必要的手术。据我们所知，这是第一项系统地评估非常高梯度性能在中耳和内耳诊断研究中的价值的工作。在这项研究中，身体梯度和局部梯度将同时使用，并具有等效的波形形状和定时。这项工作将通过证明：1)复合梯度系统相对于传统的单一梯度系统的灵活性和潜在的性能改进，以及2)当仅使用带有插入梯度的身体梯度时，不会损失图像质量，从而推动临床MRI可用的技术。因此，插入梯度可以保持在临床全脑研究的位置，并可用于需要增加梯度性能的序列。这些观察结果以前从未被证实过。 与公共卫生相关：该项目将是第一个通过操作插入梯度线圈来改善中耳和内耳的MRI成像的项目，该线圈提供高时间和空间分辨率，与传统的全身梯度相结合，后者速度较慢，但更均匀。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Dynamic composite multi-gradient systems for advanced MRI Abstract: This project will use a novel composite gradient system to test that images of the fine structure of inner and middle ear anatomy obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, ultimately, the diagnosis of inner and middle ear pathology can be greatly improved by gradient performance that is increased over the conventional typical amplitudes of 40 to 45 mT/m and slew rates of 200T/m/s. The gradient system will combine the system body gradients simultaneously with an insert head gradient to achieve gradient performance that is nearly a factor of 3 greater in speed and amplitude than the body gradients alone. Because pathologies of the inner ear require very high spatial resolution that is often beyond the capabilities of conventional MRI scanners, the experiments proposed in this study to detect these pathologies are ideal tests for the improved performance of composite gradients. By determining the cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss the appropriate treatment could be specified early in the disease management. An objective test for endolymphatic hydrops would allow improved diagnosis and monitoring of therapy in Meniere's and related disorders. By accurately discriminating between residual cholesteatoma and other non-tumor tissues of the middle ear, this project could eliminate many unnecessary surgeries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to systematically evaluate the value of very high gradient performance in diagnostic studies of the middle and inner ear. In this study, the body and local gradients will be used simultaneously with equivalent waveform shapes and timing. This work will advance the technology available for clinical MRI by demonstrating: 1) the flexibility and potential performance improvement of composite gradient systems over conventional single gradient systems and 2) that no image quality is lost when using only the body gradients with the insert gradients in position. Thus, the insert gradients can be kept in position for clinical whole brain studies and be available for use on sequences that require increased gradient performance. These observations have never before been demonstrated. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project will be the first to improve MRI imaging of the middle and inner ear by operating insert gradient coils, which give high temporal and spatial resolution, in concert with conventional whole-body gradients which are slower, but more uniform.