Optimizing MRI sequences and images for MRI-based stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning

Authors

Somayeh Taghizadeh, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Cecille Labuda, University of Mississippi
Claus Chunli Yang, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Bart Morris, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Madhava R. Kanakamedala, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Srinivasan Vijayakumar, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Roberto Rey-Dios, University of Mississippi Medical Center
William N. Duggar, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Edward Florez, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Ali Fatemi, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Abstract

© 2018 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 1.3 mm and minimum deviation of 0.4 mm from true fiducial position for SRS coordinate definition. Interestingly, uncorrected MR images showed maximum deviation of 1.2 mm and minimum of 0.4 mm, comparable to CT images used for SRS coordinate definition. After geometrical correction, we observed a maximum deviation of 1.1 mm and minimum deviation of only 0.3 mm. 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.

Relational Format

journal article

Recommended Citation

Taghizadeh, S., Labuda, C., Yang, C. C., Morris, B., Kanakamedala, M. R., Vijayakumar, S., Rey-Dios, R., Duggar, W. N., Florez, E., & Fatemi, A. (2019). Optimizing MRI sequences and images for MRI-based stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning. Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, 24(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpor.2018.09.010