Application of isotropic MAVRIC-SL sequence in metal artifact reduction after lateral lumbar interbody fusion / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To compare the quality and diagnostic utility of the three sequences including fast spin echo (FSE), multi-acquisition variable resonance image combination selective (MAVRIC-SL), and isotropic MAVRIC-SL (iso MAVRIC-SL), in evaluating the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal in patients after lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF).Methods:Totally 30 patients after LLIF were enrolled prospectively from May to June 2020 in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. The patients underwent MRI of the lumbar spine including sagittal MAVRIC-SL and iso MAVRIC-SL sequence three-dimensional volume imaging, and the axial spinal canal level images were reconstructed. FSE sequence sagittal T 1WI and axial T 2WI images were acquired simultaneously. The sagittal and axial images were subjectively graded for visualization of the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal. The artifact area and SNR were measured. The Friedman M test was used to compare the differences in image quality scores, artifact area and SNR among the three sequences. Results:Nonparametric test results showed significant differences in sagittal and axial image quality scores among the three sequences (both P<0.001). Sagittal image quality scores of MAVRIC-SL [4 (4, 4) points] and iso MAVRIC-SL [4 (4, 4) points] were higher than those of FSE T 1WI sequence [3 (3, 3) points, both P<0.001]. The quality scores of MAVRIC-SL and iso MAVRIC-SL showed no significant differences ( P=1.000). The axial image quality score of iso MAVRIC-SL[5 (5, 5) points] were higher than those of MAVRIC-SL [4 (4, 4) points] and FSE T 2WI [3 (3, 3) points, both P<0.05]. The iso MAVRIC-SL images enabled a significantly improved reduction in the artifact area and SNR compared to the MAVRIC-SL and FSE sequence (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The iso MAVRIC-SL acquisitions enhance visualization of the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal and decrease metal artifacts compared with MAVRIC-SL and FSE acquisitions.