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

磁共振成像(MRI)采用0.5T SIGNA-SP开放式系统。一个带有靠背支撑的座椅被建造成允许受试者就座时，他们的头和脖子适当地位于磁铁门架的中心。所有图像均采用快速破坏梯度回调序列进行采集。我们使用垂直开放的磁共振系统观察了坐姿下的吞咽运动。受试者可以使用杯子或勺子通过口腔自行服用造影剂，同时采集图像。口腔期动态图像较咽相更清晰，与视频透视相比，动态MRI在吞咽方面的时间分辨率较差。吞咽的动态磁共振成像，提供不同方向的断层图像。相应地，视频荧光摄影术提供用于牙齿、下颌骨和造影剂的重叠图像的X射线、透视图像。动态磁共振成像可以更好地观察和测量舌背的输入、维持和运输以及向咽部的运输，而不会重叠图像。如果提高时间分辨率，可以获得三维和四维图像(动态三维图像结构)。也有可能将有关生理运动的信息应用于吞咽疾病的诊断。随着MRI技术的最新进展，目前适用于评估吞咽情况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.