Ashok Panigrahy MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Bluml PHD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Phillip Friedlich, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Istvan Seri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marvin Dale Nelson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stephan G. Erberich PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) has been demonstrated to compensate for head motion during MR imaging in adults and pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the value of this technique in the neonatal brain.

PROPELLER T2 weighted fast spin echo (FSE) image and conventional T2 fast spin scho imaging was performed in 25 consecutive neonates (median age: 42 weeks postconceptional age ) who were undergoing both routine clinical and research scanning (IRB approved study) . An MR compatible incubator and neonatal head coil was used. An algorithm was followed such that conventional T2 FSE scan was initially performed. If motion from inadequate sedation was detected on the initial scan, the PROPELLER T2 FSE was then performed before adjustment in sedation was given. A repeat conventional T2 FSE was then performed. We compared the images by both qualitative and quanitative techniques(i) Two board certified neuroradiologists compared the PROPELLER T2 FSE and conventional T2 scans for motion artifact, image quality and visibility of pathology by using a questionnarie; (ii) By quantitative voxel-based 3D histogram analysis of both images. Sequences were compared using the chi-test and concordant data from both observers. Head movement was closely observed during imaging.

PROPELLER imaging adequately corrected for motion in 95% of the scans performed (p<0.001, k=0.40). The image quality did not differ significantly between the PROPRELLER T2 FSE and the conventional T2 FSE performed without motion . Pathology was seen in a small subset of case (30%) and was equally well seen on the PROPELLER T2 FSE and conventional T2-FSE images. Significant histogram differences were found in all cases where head movement was observed.

PROPELLER T2 FSE images provides excellent motion correction in the imaging of the neonatal brain. PROPELLER T2 FSE and conventional T2 FSE provided equal imaging quality with respect to neonatal brain parenchyma and pathology.

Panigrahy, A, Bluml, S, Friedlich, P, Seri, I, Nelson, M, Erberich, S, PROPELLER T2 Imaging in the Neonatal Brain: Initial Experience.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4415823.html