Work

Optimization of the order and spacing of sequences in an MRI exam to reduce the maximum temperature and thermal dose

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Evaluate the possibility to reduce specific energy absorption rate (SAR)-induced maximum temperature and thermal dose by rearranging the order and spacing of sequences without increasing duration of the MRI examination. METHODS: Using numerical simulations based on an actual SAR-intensive MRI examination, optimizations to reduce either maximum temperature or thermal dose were performed. For each permutation of groups of sequences having the same patient table position, temperature and thermal dose were computed very rapidly using recently published methods. Disposition of sequences was further adjusted by optimizing the spacing between each sequence without exceeding the original exam duration. RESULTS: The maximum simulated temperature in the original exam was 42.38°C, and the maximum thermal dose was 3.23 cumulative effective minutes at 43°C (CEM43). After optimization to reduce maximum temperature, it was 41.77°C, and after optimization to minimize the thermal dose, it was 1.42 CEM43. CONCLUSION: It is possible to reduce maximum temperature and thermal dose in the exam by changing the arrangement and spacing of the sequences without increasing the duration of the exam (by increasing TR or adding delays) or compromising image quality (by reducing flip angles).

Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27503

Authors: Giuseppe Carluccio, Christopher M. Collins

Institution: New York University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering