Dapeng Hao MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Xiaofei Li MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Wenjian Xu PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jihua Liu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of 3D-FIESTA MR sequence for evaluating the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

MR scans of the 40 knee joints in healthy volunteers were performed on a GE 3T MR scanner and a phased-array extremity coil. The protocol consisted of oblique sagittal spin echo (SE) T1WI sequence and 3D-FIESTA sequence. The rotating stretched curved planar reconstructions (CPR) of the ACL at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180° were generated from images of 3D-FIESTA sequence. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) with 3D-FIESTA were compared with those of oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence. The presence of the tibial attachment, midportion, femoral attachment and double bundles of the ACL on oblique sagittal SE T1WI and CPR of 3D-FIESTA MR imaging were rated by a three-point scale.

The ACL SNR efficiency of 3D-FIESTA sequence was significantly higher than that of oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence (P<0.05). The 3D-FIESTA sequence produced images with significantly higher CNR between ACL and synovial fluid than the oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence (P <0.05). CPR of 3D-FIESTA MR imaging allowed excellent visualization of the ACL. CPR of 3D-FIESTA MR imaging was rated equal to oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence in 60% and 65% of cases with regard to tibial attachment and midportion of ACL, respectively (P <0.05). CPR of 3D-FIESTA MR imaging was rated superior to oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence in 80% and 85% of cases with regard to femoral attachment and double bundles of ACL, respectively (P <0.05).

MR 3D-FIESTA sequence significantly enhances the ability to identify the ACL compared with oblique sagittal SE T1WI sequence.

The rotating stretched curved planar reconstruction of 3D-FIESTA sequence can improve the delineation the entire ACL.

Hao, D, Li, X, Xu, W, Liu, J, Utility of 3D-FIESTA MR Sequence in Evaluating the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12023429.html