Brain Morphology – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Date of SC final approval
About the Measure
Domain:
Measure:
Definition:
Sickle Cell Disease – Neurology, Quality of Life, and Health Services
Brain Morphology
Medical imaging to determine anatomic features of the brain.
Purpose:
This measure is used to show the size, shape, and structures of brain features and to
detect and quantify common brain abnormalities associated with stroke and disease.
About the Protocol
Description of
Protocol:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is a noninvasive imaging assessment
that produces cross-sectional images due to inherent contrast differences of tissues
as a result of variable magnetic relaxation properties and magnetic susceptibilities.
The American College of Radiology–American Society of Radiology–Society for
Pediatric Radiology (ACR–ASNR–SPR) Practice Parameter for the Performance and
Interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain (Amended 2014,
Resolution 39) outlines principles for performing high-quality MRI of the brains of adult
and pediatric participants. Topics covered include indications for MRI of the brain,
qualifications and responsibilities of personnel, specifications of the examination,
documentation, equipment specifications, quality control and improvement, safety,
infection control, and patient education.
Selection
Rationale:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valid, reliable, sensitive, and well-established
imaging method for evaluation and assessment of normal and abnormal brain
morphology.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are two methods
of imaging the brain and on occasion it is unclear which method should be
implemented. Hence, the Sickle Cell Disease Neurology, Quality of Life, and Health
Services Working Group notes an MRI has advantages over CT in that Diffusion
Weighted Sequences show ischemia (impending infarction) much earlier after onset,
within minutes based on restricted diffusion of water, and secondly MRI gives much
better anatomic detail of lesions of all kinds including stroke.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain
Specific
Instructions:
Protocol Text:
The American College of Radiology–American Society of Radiology–Society for
Pediatric Radiology (ACR–ASNR–SPR) Practice Parameter for the Performance and
Interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain (Amended 2014,
Resolution 39) can be found on the American College of Radiology website.
Available from
http://www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/PGTS/guidelines/MRI_Brain.pdf
Participant:
All ages
Source:
American College of Radiology–American Society of Radiology–Society for Pediatric
Radiology (ACR–ASNR–SPR). (2014). Practice Parameter for the Performance and
Interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain (Amended 2014,
Resolution 39). Available from
Version 10 – 10/21/09
Brain Morphology – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Date of SC final approval
http://www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/PGTS/guidelines/MRI_Brain.pdf
Language of
Source:
English
Personnel and
Training Required:
See the American College of Radiology–American Society of Radiology–Society for
Pediatric Radiology (ACR–ASNR–SPR) Practice Parameter for Performing and
Interpreting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Available from
http://www.acr.org/~/media/EB54F56780AC4C6994B77078AA1D6612.pdf
See Section VII. Equipment Specifications in the American College of Radiology–
American Society of Radiology–Society for Pediatric Radiology (ACR–ASNR–SPR).
Practice Parameter for the Performance and Interpretation of Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) of the Brain (Amended 2014, Resolution 39). Available from
http://www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/PGTS/guidelines/MRI_Brain.pdf
Noninvasive imaging assessment
Equipment Needs:
Protocol Type:
Requirements:
Requirements Category
Common Data
Elements:
General
References:
Required (Yes/No):
Major equipment
Yes
Specialized training
Yes
Specialized requirements for biospecimen
collection
Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an
unaffected individual
TBD by PhenX Staff
No
Yes
Audebert, H. J., & Fiebach, J. B. (2015). Brain imaging in acute ischemic stroke–MRI
or CT? Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 15(3), 526.
Howlett, D. C., Hatrick, A. G., Jarosz, J. M., Bingham, J. B., Cox, T. C., & Irvine, A. T.
(1997). The role of CT and MR in imaging the complications of sickle cell disease.
Clinical Radiology, 52(11), 821–829.
Additional Information About the Measure
Essential Data:
Current Age
Related PhenX
Measures:
Derived Variables:
Keywords/Related
Concepts:
Stroke Risk in Children with Sickle Cell Disease, Arterial Blood Supply
None
Computed Tomography, CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, Brain, Sickle cell
disease, Stroke, Head trauma, Intracranial hemorrhage, Vascular disease, Vascular
lesions, Aneurysm, Brain tumor, Vasculitis, Traumatic brain injury, TBI
Version 10 – 10/21/09