Validation of Fast Dynamic SPAMM Tagged MRI Based Measurement of Non-linear 3D Soft Tissue Deformation

Introduction: The MRI based measurement of dynamic 3D deformation of soft tissue in-vivo is relevant to many areas of research such as cardiac biomechanics, the assessment of tumor motion and preoperative planning. Furthermore, when combined with inverse analysis, it enables the non-invasive determination of the mechanical properties of human soft tissue [1]. The current study uses SPAtial Modulation of the Magnetization (SPAMM) for measurement of dynamic 3D soft tissue deformation. Current SPAMM methods typically construct data from many repeated motion cycles. This has so far confined their application largely to the analysis of highly repeatable and periodic movements (e.g. the heart), but discomfort and health issues frequently preclude a large number of repetitions. The current study presents the validation of a novel fast SPAMM sequence for the measurement of dynamic 3D soft tissue deformation following just 3 repeated motion cycles. The deformation measurements were validated using marker tracking in a silicone gel phantom.