Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of alendronate
therapy in improving bone density distribution in skull bones and corresponding
ultrasound permeability in patients who had previously experienced unsuccessful
transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) ablation. The ability of
alendronate treatment to modify skull bone characteristics and enhance the
success rate of repeat MRgFUS procedures was assessed.
Methods: Five patients with initially unsuccessful MRgFUS ablations underwent
a 6-12 month regimen of alendronate to improve bone density. Repeat MRgFUS
procedures were performed, and changes in skull density ratio (SDR) and peak
focal temperatures were evaluated statistically using CT and MR imaging.
Histograms of skull bone density were introduced and analysed as an additional
metric.
Results: After therapy, SDR increased in four out of five patients (from
0.378
±0.037 to 0.424
±0.045, p>0.05). All repeated procedures were
successful. The maximum focal temperature, averaged over sonications, increased
from 53.6
±4.0{\deg}C to 55.7
±4.1{\deg}C (p=0.018), while the maximum
temperature per patient rose from 57.0
±2.4{\deg}C to 60.2
±1.8{\deg}C
(p=0.031). Histograms of CT scans showed a reduction in low-density voxels,
indicating trabecular bone densification. 3D CT scan registration revealed
local density changes, defect filling, and void reduction.
Conclusions: Alendronate therapy enhanced skull bone density distribution and
thus ultrasound permeability, which has facilitated successful repeat MRgFUS.
By visually analysing CT changes, healthcare professionals can better inform
their decision-making regarding repeat surgeries. This method broadens the pool
of patients with low SDR eligible for MRgFUS treatment and underscores the
potential benefits of alendronate in improving treatment outcomes.