Visual cerebral microbleed detection on 7T MR imaging: reliability and effects of image processing

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2013 Jun-Jul;34(6):E61-4. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A2960. Epub 2012 Feb 16.

Abstract

MR imaging at 7T has a high sensitivity for cerebral microbleed detection. We identified mIP processing conditions with an optimal balance between the number of visually detected microbleeds and the number of sections on 7T MR imaging. Even with optimal mIP processing, the limited size of some of the microbleeds and the susceptibility effects of other adjacent structures were a challenge for visual detection, which led to a modest inter-rater agreement, mainly due to missed microbleeds. Automated lesion-detection techniques may be required to optimally benefit from the increased spatial resolution offered by 7T MR imaging.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / standards*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / standards*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data
  • Microcirculation
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity