Comparison of post processing methods between Java Magnetic Resonance User Interface (jMRUI) and Totally Automatic Robust Quantitation in NMR (TARQUIN) software for liver fat quantification

Main Article Content

Duanghathai Pasanta
Montree Tungjai
Sirirat Chancharunee
Suchart Kiatwattanacharoen
Suchart Kothan

Abstract

Background: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy or 1H MRS is a validated and non-invasive method used for studying liver fat. However, the metabolite spectra obtained by 1H MRS require a post-processing method for accurate liver fat quanti­fication. Various spectrum analysis software has been developed and is being used in many studies. To the best of our knowledge, no comparisons between spectrum analysis software for liver fat quantification have yet been completed.


Objectives: To compare the post processing methods between java-based graphical for MR user interface packages (jMRUI) and totally automatic robust quantitation in NMR (TARQUIN) software for optimal liver fat quantification.


Materials and methods: 1H MRS spectrum from the right lobe of the liver was obtained for post processing. Liver fat qualification was done by AMARES algorithms on jMRUI software, and automatic quantification algorithms was initiated by TARQUIN software. A total of 30 subjects participated in this study. Subjects were separated into a control group (n=15) and an overweight group (n=15) for liver fat quantification. Liver lipids at 0.9 ppm (-CH3 lipids) and 1.3 ppm (-CH2 lipids) were fitted and quantified. The results obtained from both jMRUI and TARQUIN post processing software packages for both groups were then compared.


Results: A strong and moderate correlation of signal intensity between jMRUI and TARQUIN software was found (total lipids, r=0.836, p<0.001; -CH2 lipids, r=0.848, p<0.001; -CH3 lipids, r=0.520, and p<0.003). Liver lipid levels were generally higher in the overweight group. There was a 2.35 times level of change in the overweight group compared to control from jMRUI, and there was a 2.16 times level of change in the overweight group compared to control from TARQUIN. There was no statistical differences between the programs (p=0.762).


Conclusion: Both jMRUI and TARQUIN are feasible post processing tools for 1H MRS liver spectrum fitting for liver lipids quantification.

Article Details

How to Cite
Pasanta, D., Tungjai, M., Chancharunee, S., Kiatwattanacharoen, S., & Kothan, S. (2018). Comparison of post processing methods between Java Magnetic Resonance User Interface (jMRUI) and Totally Automatic Robust Quantitation in NMR (TARQUIN) software for liver fat quantification. Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, 51(3), 150–156. Retrieved from https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/bulletinAMS/article/view/126878
Section
Research Articles

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