Three-Tesla Imaging of the Pituitary and Parasellar Region. Issue 3 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lien, Ruby J.; Corcuera-Solano, Idoia; Pawha, Puneet S.; Naidich, Thomas P.; Tanenbaum, Lawrence N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 39:Issue 3(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>We explored how a novel T1-weighted 3-dimensional (3D) fast spin echo (FSE) sequence (Cube; GE, Waukesha, Wis) might outperform conventional 2-dimensional (2D) FSE techniques for contrast-enhanced imaging of the pituitary and parasellar region.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>Ninety-one patients were imaged with 3D Cube and conventional 2D FSE on a 3.0-T magnetic resonance scanner. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed images for anatomical delineation (infundibulum, optic apparatus, and cavernous sinus), degree of artifact, and confidence in lesion definition or exclusion using a 5-point scale. In addition, the readers were asked to rank overall preference.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>Readers A and B found 3D Cube to be better or equal to 2D FSE in 84% and 86% of the cases. Three-dimensional Cube provided significantly better images than 2D FSE with respect to delineation of the infundibulum (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001), cavernous sinus (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001), optic apparatus (<italic>P</italic> = 0.002 for reader A and <italic>P</italic> = 0.265 for reader B), and fewer artifacts at the sellar floor (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001). Three-dimensional Cube provided greater lesion conspicuity or confidence in lesion exclusion (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001).</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Three-dimensional Cube provides superior quality with thinner slices as well as diminished artifact and can replace conventional 2D FSE sequences for routine evaluations of the pituitary and parasellar region.</p> </sec> </abstract>