High-Resolution Fourier-Encoded Sub-Millisecond Echo Time Musculoskeletal Imaging at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla

作者：Deligianni X^*; Baer P; Scheffler K; Trattnig S; Bieri O

来源：Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2013, 70(5): 1434-1439.

DOI：10.1002/mrm.24578

• variable echo time
• musculoskeletal imaging
• fibrous tissue
• short T-2
• ultra-high fields
• positive contrast

PurposeThe 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. %26lt;br%26gt;MethodsTo 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 %26gt;%26gt; TE1) can be used to highlight components with short transverse relaxation times in a difference image with positive contrast. %26lt;br%26gt;ResultsFourier-encoded spoiled gradient echo sequences are able to provide sub-millisecond TE1 of about 800 s 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. %26lt;br%26gt;ConclusionAfter 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.

• 出版日期2013-11