Improved visibility of the subthalamic nucleus on high-resolution stereotactic MR imaging by added susceptibility (T2*) contrast using multiple gradient echoes

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2007 Jun-Jul;28(6):1093-4. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A0527.

Abstract

Reliable identification of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a critical step in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease but difficult on T1-weighted stereotactic MR imaging. By simultaneous imaging of multiple gradient echoes, susceptibility contrast is added to conventional T1-weighted high-resolution MR image. Thus, the visibility of the STN is enhanced on a second co-localized dataset by exploiting the sensitivity of the T2*-relaxation to local iron deposits. The feasibility is underpinned by quantitative measurements on healthy adults.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / anatomy & histology*