Technical Requirements for 1H MR Spectroscopy of the testes

Congress:

ECR 2020

Poster Number:

C-14462

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

MRI, Genital / Reproductive system male, MR-Spectroscopy, Chemistry, Education, Physics, Education and training, Prospective, Not applicable, Performed at one institution

Authors:

V. Maliakas¹, A. Tsili², L. G. Astrakas², T. Thomas³, A. Ntorkou², I. Anastasopoulos², M. Argyropoulou²; ¹IOANNINA, GR/GR, ²Ioannina/GR, ³IOANNINA /GR

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2020/C-14462

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2020/C-14462

Fig. 2: Patient Positioning

Fig. 3: Coil Positioning

Fig. 4: Testicular 1H-MRS Voxel Planning

Fig. 5: Normal 1H MR spectra of the right testis in a healthy 14-year-old volunteer

Learning objectives

The use of appropriate coil, adequate support and correct positioning of the scrotum are essential key elements in performing testicular 1H MRS. The essential prerequisites for performing high quality spectroscopic measurements are: strength of the static field, multichannel coils and absence of heterogeneities in the magnetic field.

Background

Proton MR Spectroscopy (1H MRS) is a specialized application of MRI which enables the noninvasive study of the metabolic profile of normal and abnormal tissues. Preliminary studies have recently demonstrated the utility of 1H MRS in the assessment of normal testes and various testicular pathologies.

Findings and procedure details

a) PATIENT POSITIONING - Supine - Feet first - Necessary to immobilize legs, to avoid motion artefacts - Patient should wear light clothing, to feel comfortable and cool. - Symmetrical placement of the testes is very important for obtaining high-quality MR images - Testes should be arranged to maintain equal distance from the coil - Penis immobilized against the lower abdominal wall - A gauze placed between thighs so that the testes should be on the same level - Adhesive patch to immobilize scrotum and...

Conclusion

1H MRS of the testes, although challenging, when performed correctly might complement conventional MRI data and enhance diagnostic accuracy by providing important biochemical and metabolic information.

Personal information and conflict of interest

A. Tsili; Ioannina/GR - Author at Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece V. Maliakas; Ioannina/GR - Author at Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece - Speaker at Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece L. G. Astrakas; Ioannina/GR - Author at Department of Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece T. Thomas; Ioannina/GR - Author at Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece A. A. Ntorkou; Ioannina/GR - Author at...

References

Firat et al, Magn Reson Imaging 2008; Tsili et al, Eur Radiol 2016; Baleato- González et al, Clin Radiol 2015; Aaronson et al, Hum Reprod 2010; Storey et al, Invest Radiol 2018