Comparison of Cartesian and Non-Cartesian Real-Time MRI Sequences at 1.5T to Assess Velar Motion and Velopharyngeal Closure during Speech.

Dynamic imaging of the vocal tract using real-time MRI has been an active and growing area of research, having demonstrated great potential to become routinely performed in the clinical evaluation of speech and swallowing disorders. Although many technical advances have been made in regards to acquisition and reconstruction methodologies, there is still no consensus in best practice protocols. This study aims to compare Cartesian and non-Cartesian real-time MRI sequences, regarding image quality and temporal resolution trade-off, for dynamic speech imaging.

Impact of orthodontic appliances on the quality of craniofacial anatomical magnetic resonance imaging and real-time speech imaging.

Aims: The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of commonly used orthodontic appliances on the magnetic resonance (MR) image quality of the craniofacial region, with special interest in the soft palate and velopharyngeal wall using real-time speech imaging sequences and anatomical imaging of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and pituitaries.

Methods: Common orthodontic appliances were studied on 1.5 T scanner using standard spin and gradient echo sequences (based on the American Society for Testing and Materials standard test method) and sequences previously applied for high-resolution anatomical and dynamic real-time imaging during speech.

Speech MRI: morphology and function.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an increasing role in the study of speech. This article reviews the MRI literature of anatomical imaging, imaging for acoustic modelling and dynamic imaging. It describes existing imaging techniques attempting to meet the challenges of imaging the upper airway during speech and examines the remaining hurdles and future research directions.

Myo-inositol metabolism in appropriately grown and growth-restricted fetuses: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Objective: Myo-inositol (Myo-ins) is a marker of neuroglial cells, being present in the astrocytes of brain tissue, but also functions as an osmolyte. Numbers of astrocytes are known to increase following injury to the brain. Growth-restricted fetuses are at increased risk of later neurodevelopmental impairments even in the absence of overt lesions and despite preserved/increased cerebral blood flow.