open access
Optimizing MRI sequences and images for MRI-based stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning
open access
Abstract
Aim
Development of MRI sequences and processing methods for the production of images appropriate for direct use in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning.
Background
MRI is useful in SRS treatment planning, especially for patients with brain lesions or anatomical targets that are poorly distinguished by CT, but its use requires further refinement. This methodology seeks to optimize MRI sequences to generate distortion-free and clinically relevant MR images for MRI-only SRS treatment planning.
Materials and methods
We used commercially available SRS MRI-guided radiotherapy phantoms and eight patients to optimize sequences for patient imaging. Workflow involved the choice of correct MRI sequence(s), optimization of the sequence parameters, evaluation of image quality (artifact free and clinically relevant), measurement of geometrical distortion, and evaluation of the accuracy of our offline correction algorithm.
Results
CT images showed a maximum deviation of 1.3mm and minimum deviation of 0.4mm from true fiducial position for SRS coordinate definition. Interestingly, uncorrected MR images showed maximum deviation of 1.2mm and minimum of 0.4mm, comparable to CT images used for SRS coordinate definition. After geometrical correction, we observed a maximum deviation of 1.1mm and minimum deviation of only 0.3mm.
Conclusion
Our optimized MRI pulse sequences and image correction technique show promising results; MR images produced under these conditions are appropriate for direct use in SRS treatment planning.
Abstract
Aim
Development of MRI sequences and processing methods for the production of images appropriate for direct use in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning.
Background
MRI is useful in SRS treatment planning, especially for patients with brain lesions or anatomical targets that are poorly distinguished by CT, but its use requires further refinement. This methodology seeks to optimize MRI sequences to generate distortion-free and clinically relevant MR images for MRI-only SRS treatment planning.
Materials and methods
We used commercially available SRS MRI-guided radiotherapy phantoms and eight patients to optimize sequences for patient imaging. Workflow involved the choice of correct MRI sequence(s), optimization of the sequence parameters, evaluation of image quality (artifact free and clinically relevant), measurement of geometrical distortion, and evaluation of the accuracy of our offline correction algorithm.
Results
CT images showed a maximum deviation of 1.3mm and minimum deviation of 0.4mm from true fiducial position for SRS coordinate definition. Interestingly, uncorrected MR images showed maximum deviation of 1.2mm and minimum of 0.4mm, comparable to CT images used for SRS coordinate definition. After geometrical correction, we observed a maximum deviation of 1.1mm and minimum deviation of only 0.3mm.
Conclusion
Our optimized MRI pulse sequences and image correction technique show promising results; MR images produced under these conditions are appropriate for direct use in SRS treatment planning.
Keywords
MRI; Stereotactic radiosurgery planning; Tumor
About this articleTitle
Optimizing MRI sequences and images for MRI-based stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
12-19
Published online
2019-01-01
DOI
10.1016/j.rpor.2018.09.010
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2019;24(1):12-19.
Keywords
MRI
Stereotactic radiosurgery planning
Tumor
Authors
Somayeh Taghizadeh
Cecille Labuda
Claus Chunli Yang
Bart Morris
Madhava R. Kanakamedala
Srinivasan Vijayakumar
Roberto Rey-Dios
William N. Duggar
Edward Florez
Ali Fatemi