High‐resolution Fourier‐encoded sub‐millisecond echo time musculoskeletal imaging at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla. Issue 5 (11th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deligianni, X.; Bär, P.; Scheffler, K.; Trattnig, S.; Bieri, O.
• Is Part Of: Magnetic resonance in medicine. Volume 70:Issue 5(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1434
• Page End: 1439
• Publication Date: 2012-12-11
• Subjects: Nuclear magnetic resonance -- Periodicals; Electron paramagnetic resonance -- Periodicals; 616.07548
• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-3194

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="mrm24578-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Purpose</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="mrm24578-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>To this end, the echo time (TE<sub>1</sub>) of a conventional Fourier‐encoded multicontrast three‐dimensional SGPR sequence is minimized by using nonselective excitation pulses, highly asymmetric readouts, and a variable TE<sub>1</sub> along the phase and slice encoding direction. In addition, a fully sampled second echo image (with TE<sub>2</sub> >> TE<sub>1</sub>) can be used to highlight components with short transverse relaxation times in a difference image with positive contrast.</p> </sec> <sec id="mrm24578-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Fourier‐encoded spoiled gradient echo sequences are able to provide sub‐millisecond TE<sub>1</sub> of about 800 μs for typical in‐plane resolutions of about 0.5 x 0.5 mm<sup>2</sup>. As a result, high‐resolution positive contrast images of fibrous tissues can be generated within clinically feasible scan‐time of about 2–7 minutes.</p> </sec> <sec id="mrm24578-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>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. Magn Reson Med 70:1434–1439, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>