Mark C. DeLano MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Andrew K. Nash MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

James Kevin DeMarco MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the utility of motion suppression provided by PROPELLER MR techniques in the evaluation of patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders and tremor. Protocols were optimized at 1.5 and 3T.

PROPELLER T2 and FLAIR mage parameters were varied on 1.5 and 3T MR scanners (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI) operating 12.0 software to optimize gray-white matter contrast. These optimized PROPELLER T2 and FLAIR sequences were compared to similar conventional FSE T2 and FLAIR sequences in five patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders. Motion degradation, SNR, image quality, and lesion conspicuity were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed.

PROPELLER T2 and FLAIR image quality was graded as good or excellent on all patients and superior to FSE sequences. Motion artifacts were significantly less with Propeller T2 and FLAIR sequences compared to FSE. This led to improved visualization of brain parenchyma, especially in the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale. More lesions were seen with PROPELLER T2 and FLAIR images than on the corresponding FSE images. Quantitative analysis confirmed these qualitative findings.

PROPELLER T2 and FLAIR images are superior to FSE images in the evaluation of patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders due to improved motion suppression using optimized PROPELLER technique.

M.C.D.,J.K.D.: Comprehensive Research Agreement with GE Healthcare

DeLano, M, Nash, A, DeMarco, J, PROPELLER MR Brain Imaging in Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders: FLAIR and T2 Protocol Optimization and Comparative Evaluation to Fast Spin Echo Techniques at 1.5T and 3T.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4412962.html