Utilizing Fast Spin Echo MRI to Reduce Image Artifacts and Improve Implant/Tissue Interface Detection in Refractory Parkinson's Patients with Deep Brain Stimulators

Introduction. In medically refractory Parkinson's disease (PD) deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapeutic tool. Postimplantation MRI is important in assessing tissue damage and DBS lead placement accuracy. We wanted to identify which MRI sequence can detect DBS leads with smallest artifactual signal void, allowing better tissue/electrode edge conspicuity. Methods. Using an IRB approved protocol 8 advanced PD patients were imaged within MR conditional safety guidelines at low RF power (SAR ≤ 0.1 W/kg) in coronal plane at 1.5T by various sequences. The image slices were subjectively evaluated for diagnostic quality and the lead contact diameters were compared to identify a sequence least affected by metallic leads. Results and Discussion. Spin echo and fast spin echo based low SAR sequences provided acceptable image quality with comparable image blooming (enlargement) of stimulator leads. The mean lead diameters were 2.2 ± 0.1 mm for 2D, 2.1 ± 0.1 mm for 3D, and 4.0 ± 0.2 mm for 3D MPRAGE sequence. Conclusion. Low RF power spin echo and fast spin echo based 2D and 3D FSE sequences provide acceptable image quality adjacent to DBS leads. The smallest artifactual blooming of stimulator leads is present on 3D FSE while the largest signal void appears in the 3D MPRAGE sequence.