Young Cheol Yoon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yu Jin Oh MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ji Hyun Koo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ki Jeong Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ah Yeong Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jee Young Jung, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare the image quality of 3D isotropic MR imaging including FSE intermediate-weighted MR imaging and FFE MR imaging with fat saturated 2D intermediate-weighted FSE MR imaging of the wrist joint.

MR imaging was performed in the wrists of 10 healthy volunteers (four men, six women, age range, 26-31 years) with both 3D FSE sequence (VISTA; Volume Isotropic Turbo Spin Echo Acqusition) and 3D FFE sequences and 2D FSE sequences with fat saturation on 3.0-T machine. VISTA and FFE images were obtained with 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 mm voxel size. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently assessed the visibility of various anatomic structures, including the TFCC, carpal ligaments, nerves and cartilage with a four-point grading scale. Statistical analysis for interobserver agreement and differences in grades of visibility (Wilcoxon singed rank test) were performed. For a quantitative analysis, the SNR was obtained by imaging phantom and noise-only image. Image contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated between fluid and cartilage, TFCC, scapholunate ligament for both 3D isotropic MR imaging and 2D FSE MR imaging. Statistical analysis to compare CRs was performed using a paired t-test.

The SNR of 2D FSE sequence (46.26) was higher than that of 3D VISTA (23.34) and 3D FFE (19.41). 2D FSE sequence had significantly superior CRs in fluid-cartilage (p=0.002), and fluid-TFCC (p=0), and fluid-scapholunate ligament (p=0.001) than both 3D MR images. 3D FFE had significantly superior CRs in fluid-cartilage (p=0) than 3D VISTA. Visibility of the TFCC for two reviewers was significantly better on 3D VISTA and 2D FSE than 3D FFE (p-value <0.05). There is no significantly difference in visibilities of other structures between three sequences. The interobserver agreement for visibility of various anatomic structures was substantial or near perfect in three sequences.

Although 2D FSE sequence had superior CRs between fluid and cartilage, TFCC, scapholunate ligament than both 3D MR images, 3D FFE had significantly superior CRs in fluid-cartilage than 3D VISTA. Visibility of the TFCC on 3D VISTA and 2D FSE was significantly superior than 3D FFE, however, there is no significantly difference in visibilities of other structures.

For evaluation of internal derangement of wrist joint, 3D isotropic imagings are still not enough to be compared to 2D FSE sequence in image quality,

Yoon, Y, Oh, Y, Koo, J, Park, K, Kim, A, Jung, J, Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Isotropic 3D Wrist MR Imaging: Comparison with 2D Intermediate-weighted Fast-Spin-Echo with Fat Saturation.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12043678.html