Tobias J Dietrich MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Marco Zanetti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Erika Jasmin Ulbrich MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christian W. A. Pfirrmann MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Medtronic, Inc

To evaluate the use of the “PROPELLER” (Periodically Rotated Overlapping Parallel Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction) technique for artifact reduction and image quality improvement for MR arthrography of the shoulder.

Coronal intermediate-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) MR images with fat saturation and sagittal T2-weighted TSE MR images with fat saturation were obtained in 33 patients without (conventional) and with PROPELLER technique using a 1.5T MR scanner. Image resolution was the same for both techniques (FOV: 160 x 160 mm, matrix: 512 x 256, section thickness: 4.0 mm). TR/TE varied slightly: 2900ms/13ms for the coronal conventional TSE, 2400/36 for coronal PROPELLER technique, 3500/79 for the sagittal conventional TSE and 4140/77 for sagittal PROPELLER technique. Scanning time increased 108 sec for the coronal plane and 38 sec for the sagittal planning using the PROPELLER technique. A 5-point grading scale was used to grade artifacts, image noise, image sharpness and over all image quality (1= excellent image quality, 5=not diagnostic).

Images with PROPELLER demonstrated less motion artifacts (PROPELLER: 1.6 versus conventional TSE: 3.1), less image noise (1.6 vs. 2.7), improved delineation of the supraspinatus tendon (2.2 vs. 3.9) and improved overall image quality (2.1 vs. 3.9) compared to the conventional TSE sequences (all comparisons significant, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, p < 0.001). Susceptibility artifacts were more pronounced in the PROPELLER group (1.4 vs. 1.2; p = 0.102).

The PROPELLER technique for MR arthrography of the shoulder reduces motion artifacts and increases image quality compared to conventional TSE sequences.

The PROPELLER technique is reliable to reduce motion artifacts although the acquisition time is longer compared to conventional TSE sequences.

Dietrich, T, Zanetti, M, Ulbrich, E, Pfirrmann, C, Propeller Technique to Improve Image Quality at MR Arthrography of the Shoulder.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9008545.html