Magnetic Resonance in Neurology
Speed, non-invasiveness, sensitivity and specificity with respect to disease characterization are the major advantages of MRI that differentiate it by a wide margin from other imaging modalities.
Siemens, the trendsetter in Medical Imaging Technology, facilitates the complete spectrum of MRI applications in Neurology across the entire product portfolio. As the ultimate diagnostic tool in Neurology, MR offers unmatched soft tissue contrast as well as very high spatial resolution, allowing for superior visualization of the anatomy of the central nervous system. Other features, such as functional spectroscopy and perfusion imaging provide valuable information on the metabolism and function of the brain tissue. Another newer function, diffusion imaging, provides valuable insights to brain connectivity and unique tissue viability characterization.
Tim® (Total Imaging Matrix), the revolutionary RF technology from Siemens pushes the limits in neurological MRI with 32 independent RF channels and 12 coil elements for brain imaging or 40 coil elements for whole CNS imaging. Tim provides increased SNR up to 100% and parallel imaging capabilities with iPAT2 in all directions up to acceleration factors (PAT) 16. This means that the same scan that took 16 minutes in the past is today acquired in just 1 minute.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
High resolution structural brain imaging
MRI is the only diagnostic imaging modality that enables non-invasive visualization of structures with submillimeter resolution, acquired with 2D or isotropic 3D imaging in a few minutes or even seconds. The proven performance of MRI in structural brain imaging has declared MRI as the method of choice with respect to morphological imaging of the brain. MAGNETOM® systems provide unmatched performance in diagnosis of tumors, brain degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis as well as stroke and trauma. In addition with Phoenix (image based protocol copy) and AutoAlign (automatic slice repositioning) follow up studies (e.g. for disease staging) become easy as well as accurate.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
MR-Angiography
Beyond morphology: Siemens MAGNETOM systems, using Time-of-Flight, non-contrast angiography enable the visualization of brain vessels down to 200 mm thickness (e.g. lenticulostriatal artery). The capability to perform this examination non-invasively and as often as needed provides an excellent tool for easy follow-up studies and close tracking of response to treatment. Pathologies such as ischemic stroke imaging or AVM require the application of MRA in synergy with other MRI techniques for fast, accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the disease status.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
Comprehensive assessment of the spine
MAGNETOM systems provide unmatched performance for local as well as total spine imaging. Their excellent contrast provides for detecting tumors or metastases. C-spine nerve rootlets are visualized down to 400mm diameter or 3D submillimeter resolution imaging enables image reconstruction in any arbitrary plane. . With Tim technology, the entire CNS is imaged without patient repositioning or coil reconfiguration. Spine Composing automatically creates fully diagnostic images of the entire spine. It streamlines reading as well as reporting to referring physicians and facilitates localization of lesions and subsequent therapy planning.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
Metabolite Imaging with MR-Spectroscopy
Beyond morphology: MR-spectroscopy allows a profound tissue characterization by assessing the metabolite status. Whether by a single voxel spectrum or by Chemical Shift Imaging (CSI), the homogeneity and shimming capabilities of the MAGNETOM systems enable excellent spectral resolution. Color -coded metabolite maps combine visualization of morphology and biochemical data in the brain. This can help characterize lesions when a biopsy is difficult or impossible. Metabolite imaging can also help in early evaluation of response to therapy before anatomical changes occur. In addition, Tim technology boosts SNR by enabling Matrix Spectroscopy (spectroscopy using the multi-channel Tim coil arrays-Tim Matrix coils)
Please click on the image for a larger version.
MR-Diffusion
MAGNETOM Systems are powered with very fast and very strong gradient coils that enable the application of high resolution diffusion single shot EPI images. Diffusion images show clearly the areas affected by an ischemic stroke (infarct) within a few hours after the onset of the disease. Powered with Inline technology, MAGNETOM systems automatically provide the diffusion coefficient maps (ADC maps) after the scan without additional processing steps. Diffusion imaging can also be used for visualization of the white matter tracts, shedding light on a whole new world of applications in cognitive research.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
MR-Perfusion
Post contrast (Gadolinium) injection imaging can provide valuable information with respect to tissue perfusion and viability. This technique can be used in combination with structural and angiographic imaging for comprehensive diagnosis. In oncology, tumor perfusion characterization is especially valuable, providing insight with respect to response treatment and angiogenesis. MAGNETOM systems are equipped with software tools that assist the quantification of the results as well as generate perfusion parameter maps , such as TTP (Time-to-Peak) and MTT (Mean-Transit-Time) etc.
Please click on the image for a larger version.
fMRI
Functional MRI is capable of displaying brain activation in response to a stimulus based on the BOLD effect (increased blood oxygen consumption in the area of activation). This is of profound importance in the area of brain research as well as in presurgical planning for patients who undergo brain operations. MAGNETOM systems are capable of real-time fMRI studies, in 3D with excellent conspicuity and robustness. Furthermore, 2D PACE®, a unique method for prospective motion correction ensures the absence of false positives.
Contact Center
International (English): ++49 69 797 6660 Germany (German): ++49 800 22 55 336 Fax: ++49 800 73 63 336 Contact form You can call us Monday through Thursday 8 am to 5 pm, Friday 8 am to 4 pm CET
