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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2010; 14(2): 257-268
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253166
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Advanced MR Imaging Techniques for Skeletal Muscle Evaluation

Michael D. Noseworthy1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , Andrew D. Davis2 , 3 , 5 , Alyaa H. Elzibak2 , 3 , 5
  • 1Electrical and Computer Engineering, and School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Imaging Research Centre, Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • 3Diagnostic Imaging, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • 4Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • 5Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 May 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Diagnostic imaging procedures for muscle evaluation have typically provided basic information concerning gross anatomical change resulting from pathology. Up until recently the musculoskeletal radiologist has been fairly limited to using simple proton-density weighted fat-saturated and short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging scans for assessment of skeletal muscle. Recent advances, however, have resulted in development of newer scans and postprocessing methods that provide much more than gross muscle structure. Scans providing fine structure, muscle function, and metabolism can easily be done using clinical scanners. Here we describe how diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) imaging together can provide detailed information on muscle structural and functional changes. DTI is useful for visualizing muscle tears, and BOLD can be used for vascular insufficiency (e.g., compartment syndrome). In clinical sites that are gaining experience using these techniques, imaging of muscle pathology is becoming increasingly thorough. In the future, these methods will reduce the need for invasive approaches to study muscle pathology.

KEYWORDS

Muscle - MRI - blood oxygen level dependent imaging - diffusion tensor imaging

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Michael D NoseworthyPh.D. 

Imaging Research Centre, Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare

50 Charlton Ave. East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6 Canada

Email: nosewor@mcmaster.ca