High-resolution Fourier-encoded sub-millisecond echo time musculoskeletal imaging at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla.
- Deligianni X Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University of Basel Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
- Bär P
- Scheffler K
- Trattnig S
- Bieri O
- 2012-12-13
Published in:
- Magnetic resonance in medicine. - 2013
fibrous tissue
musculoskeletal imaging
positive contrast
short T2
ultra-high fields
variable echo time
Achilles Tendon
Cartilage, Articular
Feasibility Studies
Fourier Analysis
Humans
Image Enhancement
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
Knee Joint
Muscle, Skeletal
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
English
PURPOSE
The feasibility of imaging musculoskeletal fibrous tissue components, such as menisci, ligaments, and tendons, with a conventional spoiled gradient echo technique is explored in vivo at 3 T and 7 T.
METHODS
To this end, the echo time (TE1 ) of a conventional Fourier-encoded multicontrast three-dimensional SGPR sequence is minimized by using nonselective excitation pulses, highly asymmetric readouts, and a variable TE1 along the phase and slice encoding direction. In addition, a fully sampled second echo image (with TE2 >> TE1 ) can be used to highlight components with short transverse relaxation times in a difference image with positive contrast.
RESULTS
Fourier-encoded spoiled gradient echo sequences are able to provide sub-millisecond TE1 of about 800 μs for typical in-plane resolutions of about 0.5 x 0.5 mm(2) . As a result, high-resolution positive contrast images of fibrous tissues can be generated within clinically feasible scan-time of about 2-7 minutes.
CONCLUSION
After optimization, Fourier-encoded spoiled gradient echo provides a highly robust and flexible imaging technique for high-resolution positive contrast imaging of fibrous tissue that can readily be used in the clinical routine.
The feasibility of imaging musculoskeletal fibrous tissue components, such as menisci, ligaments, and tendons, with a conventional spoiled gradient echo technique is explored in vivo at 3 T and 7 T.
METHODS
To this end, the echo time (TE1 ) of a conventional Fourier-encoded multicontrast three-dimensional SGPR sequence is minimized by using nonselective excitation pulses, highly asymmetric readouts, and a variable TE1 along the phase and slice encoding direction. In addition, a fully sampled second echo image (with TE2 >> TE1 ) can be used to highlight components with short transverse relaxation times in a difference image with positive contrast.
RESULTS
Fourier-encoded spoiled gradient echo sequences are able to provide sub-millisecond TE1 of about 800 μs for typical in-plane resolutions of about 0.5 x 0.5 mm(2) . As a result, high-resolution positive contrast images of fibrous tissues can be generated within clinically feasible scan-time of about 2-7 minutes.
CONCLUSION
After optimization, Fourier-encoded spoiled gradient echo provides a highly robust and flexible imaging technique for high-resolution positive contrast imaging of fibrous tissue that can readily be used in the clinical routine.
- Language
-
- English
- Open access status
- bronze
- Identifiers
-
- DOI 10.1002/mrm.24578
- PMID 23233430
- Persistent URL
- https://folia.unifr.ch/global/documents/125200
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