MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning
Abstract Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly used to improve radiation therapy planning by allowing visualisation of organs at risk that cannot be well‐defined on computed tomography (CT). Diagnostic sequences are increasingly being adapted for radiation therapy plann...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.700 |
| _version_ | 1797393393152688128 |
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| author | Laura M. O'Connor Kate Skehan Jonathan Goodwin Mahesh Kumar |
| author_facet | Laura M. O'Connor Kate Skehan Jonathan Goodwin Mahesh Kumar |
| author_sort | Laura M. O'Connor |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly used to improve radiation therapy planning by allowing visualisation of organs at risk that cannot be well‐defined on computed tomography (CT). Diagnostic sequences are increasingly being adapted for radiation therapy planning, such as the use of heavily T2‐weighted 3D SPACE (Sampling Perfection with Application optimised Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution) sequence for cranial nerve identification in head and neck tumour treatment planning. Methods A 3D isotropic T2 SPACE sequence used for cranial nerve identification was adapted for radiation therapy purposes. Distortion was minimised using a spin‐echo‐based sequence, 3D distortion correction, isocentre scanning and an increased readout bandwidth. Radiation therapy positioning was accounted for by utilising two small flex, 4‐channel coils. The protocol was validated for cranial nerve identification in clinical applications and distortion minimisation using an MRI QA phantom. Results Normal anatomy of the cranial nerves CI‐CIX, were presented, along with a selection of clinical applications and abnormal anatomy. The usefulness of cranial nerve identification is discussed for several case studies, particularly in proximity to tumours extending into the base of skull region. In‐house testing validated that higher bandwidths of 600 Hz resulted in minimal displacement well below 1 mm. Conclusion The use of MRI for radiation therapy planning allows for greater individualisation and prediction of patient outcomes. Dose reduction to cranial nerves can decrease late side effects such as cranial neuropathy. In addition to current applications, future directions include further applications of this technology for radiation therapy treatments. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T00:02:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-497b744577214e3dba1b624f39385589 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2051-3895 2051-3909 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T00:02:52Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-497b744577214e3dba1b624f393855892023-12-12T15:36:38ZengWileyJournal of Medical Radiation Sciences2051-38952051-39092023-12-0170450951710.1002/jmrs.700MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planningLaura M. O'Connor0Kate Skehan1Jonathan Goodwin2Mahesh Kumar3Department of Radiation Oncology Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle New South Wales AustraliaDepartment of Radiation Oncology Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle New South Wales AustraliaDepartment of Radiation Oncology Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle New South Wales AustraliaDepartment of Radiation Oncology Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle New South Wales AustraliaAbstract Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly used to improve radiation therapy planning by allowing visualisation of organs at risk that cannot be well‐defined on computed tomography (CT). Diagnostic sequences are increasingly being adapted for radiation therapy planning, such as the use of heavily T2‐weighted 3D SPACE (Sampling Perfection with Application optimised Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution) sequence for cranial nerve identification in head and neck tumour treatment planning. Methods A 3D isotropic T2 SPACE sequence used for cranial nerve identification was adapted for radiation therapy purposes. Distortion was minimised using a spin‐echo‐based sequence, 3D distortion correction, isocentre scanning and an increased readout bandwidth. Radiation therapy positioning was accounted for by utilising two small flex, 4‐channel coils. The protocol was validated for cranial nerve identification in clinical applications and distortion minimisation using an MRI QA phantom. Results Normal anatomy of the cranial nerves CI‐CIX, were presented, along with a selection of clinical applications and abnormal anatomy. The usefulness of cranial nerve identification is discussed for several case studies, particularly in proximity to tumours extending into the base of skull region. In‐house testing validated that higher bandwidths of 600 Hz resulted in minimal displacement well below 1 mm. Conclusion The use of MRI for radiation therapy planning allows for greater individualisation and prediction of patient outcomes. Dose reduction to cranial nerves can decrease late side effects such as cranial neuropathy. In addition to current applications, future directions include further applications of this technology for radiation therapy treatments.https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.700Magnetic resonance imagingradiotherapyradiotherapy planning, computer‐assistedradiotherapy, image‐guided |
| spellingShingle | Laura M. O'Connor Kate Skehan Jonathan Goodwin Mahesh Kumar MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences Magnetic resonance imaging radiotherapy radiotherapy planning, computer‐assisted radiotherapy, image‐guided |
| title | MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| title_full | MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| title_fullStr | MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| title_full_unstemmed | MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| title_short | MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| title_sort | mri sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning |
| topic | Magnetic resonance imaging radiotherapy radiotherapy planning, computer‐assisted radiotherapy, image‐guided |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.700 |
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