[Magnetic resonance of the brain: comparative assessment of conventional sequences versus fast sequences]. / Risonanza Magnetica dell'encefalo: valutazione comparativa tra sequenze tradizionali e sequenze veloci.

The conventional Spin-Echo sequences have been the most used acquisition techniques on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, since the beginning of 1990s. Recently, however, technological developments proposed such new fast acquisition techniques, with a dramatic reduction in acquisition time as Gradient Echo, Turbo Spin Echo, Gradient Spin Echo ed Echo Planar sequences. We investigated the comparative adequacy of the new fast sequences, in brain MR studies versus conventional sequences, on medium field strength MR equipment (.5 T). On in vitro exams S/N ratio was evaluated and on in vivo study C/N ratio between white substance grey substance and fluid were evaluated, in 15 healthy volunteers. All the exams were carried out on Philips NT5 Gyroscan MR unit operating at .5 T, with 15 mT/m power gradients. Both conventional and fast sequences Spin-Echo (SE), Inversion Recovery (IR), Gradient-Echo (GE), Turbo Spin-Echo (TSE), Gradient Spin-Echo (GRASE) and Echo Planar (EPI), all optimized to obtain T1, T2 and T1-IR weighted images, were performed. The sequences were evaluated separately comparing different acquisition techniques relative to the same type of contrast (T1, T2, and T1-IR). The results indicate the superiority of the fast acquisition techniques, both in terms of quality and acquisition times, except for T1-weighted images, where the conventional Spin-Echo sequences confirmed to be superior. In conclusion, the present study suggests that fast acquisition techniques can improve the conventional protocol of sequences, in the anatomical representation of the normal brain even with medium field strength equipment only on T2 and T1-IR weighted images. On T1-weighted imaging conventional SE acquisition technique is still the best choice. The time saving obtained with fast sequences can therefore be used for an overall improvement in the quality of images, and to apply accessory acquisition plans on routine exams.

[Magnetic resonance study of patellofemoral cartilage with a fat-suppressed T1-3D gradient-echo sequence: a comparison with other acquisition technics at medium field strength]. / Studio della cartilagine femoro-rotulea con Risonanza Magnetica mediante sequenza Gradient Echo-T1-3D con soppressione del segnale del tessuto adiposo: confronto con le altre tecniche di acquisizione con media intensità del campo.

PURPOSE: We compared GRE T1 3D FS sequence with other acquisition techniques available on medium field strength MR units (.5 T) in patellofemoral cartilage studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The imaging protocol scheduled Spin Echo (SE), Inversion Recovery (STIR), Gradient Echo (GRE), Turbo Spin Echo (TSE), Turbo-Inversion Recovery (Turbo-STIR), Gradient Spin Echo (GRASE) and Echo Planar (EPI) sequences, in some cases combined with Fat Suppression (FS) or Magnetization Transfer Contrast (MTC) sequences when suitable. In vitro studies were carried out for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) evaluation, and in vivo on 10 healthy volunteers for contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) evaluation between cartilage, bone marrow and fluid. The exams were carried out on MR equipment operating at .5 T, with 15 mT/m power gradients. RESULTS: In both in vitro and in vivo studies, GRE T1 3D FS sequences yielded better results in SNR and CNR than other sequences. The GRE T1 3D FS technique combines the advantages of the increased resolution of 3D images with the increased dynamic range of fat suppressed images, for better CNR between cartilage, fluid and bone marrow. CONCLUSION: GRE T1 3D FS sequences are the MR acquisition technique of choice in the assessment of the hyaline cartilage of the knee, even at medium field strength.