The subthalamic nucleus at 3.0 Tesla: choice of optimal sequence and orientation for deep brain stimulation using a standard installation protocol

• DOI: 10.3171/2012.8.jns111930
• Publication Date: 2012-10-05T17:23:57Z
• Authors: Hans U. Kerl; Lars Gerigk; Ioannis Pechlivanis; Mansour Al-Zghloul; Christoph Groden; Ingo Nölte
• Keywords: Subthalamic Nucleus; Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery

Reliable visualization of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is indispensable for accurate placement electrodes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The aim study was to evaluate different promising new MRI methods at 3.0 T preoperative STN using a standard installation protocol.Magnetic resonance imaging studies (T2-FLAIR, T1-MPRAGE, T2*-FLASH2D, T2-SPACE, and susceptibility-weighted sequences) obtained 9 healthy volunteers 1 patient PD were acquired. Two neuroradiologists independently analyzed image quality 6-point scale. Interrater reliability, contrast-to-noise ratios, signal-to-noise ratios calculated. For illustration anatomical accuracy, coronal T2*-FLASH2D images fused corresponding section schema Schaltenbrand Wahren stereotactic atlas.The best reliably visualized on (in particular, view). No major artifacts observed any sequences. Susceptibility-weighted, provided significantly higher ratio values than T2-weighted imaging. Fusion digitized atlas view projected clearly within boundaries found sections.For 3.0-T MRI, (particularly view) provides optimal delineation protocol.