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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
A prospective comparison of brain contrast characteristics and lesion detection using single-shot fast spin-echo and
T K Mittal1, S F Halpin, M W Bourne
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Abstract:
MRI is limited by movement artefact, even with current imagers, when examining a restless or claustrophobic patient. We prospectively analysed the images of 92 patients produced by a single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) pulse sequence and compared them with conventional (FSE) and reduced-time fast spin-echo (RT-FSE) techniques, with regard to lesion detection and movement artefact in brain imaging. Images obtained in each case were independently reviewed and scored for overall diagnosis, number of lesions detected, and movement artefact. FSE showed 1217 lesions, RT-FSE 1137, and SSFSE 1044. This discrepancy arose mainly in patients with multiple sclerosis or small-vessel disease, since with SSFSE we were less able to separate small, adjacent low-contrast lesions than with FSE. Arbitrary movement scores were 36, 25 and zero respectively. There were, however, no clinically significant differences in overall diagnosis between the three techniques. SSFSE thus proved a reliable, fast, accurate method for obtaining T2-weighted images, and may be of particular use in the restless, claustrophobic or obtunded patient.
Insights
Single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) MRI significantly reduces motion artifact, proving valuable for restless or claustrophobic patients. While detecting fewer lesions than conventional methods, SSFSE offers reliable brain imaging without compromising overall diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is susceptible to motion artifact, particularly in uncooperative patients.
- Restless, claustrophobic, or obtunded patients pose challenges for acquiring high-quality brain MRI scans.
- Conventional fast spin-echo (FSE) and reduced-time fast spin-echo (RT-FSE) techniques can be affected by patient movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare the efficacy of single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) pulse sequences against conventional FSE and RT-FSE techniques.
- To evaluate lesion detection rates and the impact of motion artifact in brain imaging across the three MRI techniques.
- To determine the diagnostic accuracy and utility of SSFSE in challenging patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of 92 patients undergoing brain MRI.
- Independent review and scoring of images for overall diagnosis, lesion detection, and motion artifact.
- Comparison of lesion counts and motion artifact scores between SSFSE, FSE, and RT-FSE sequences.
Main Results:
- SSFSE demonstrated significantly reduced motion artifact (score of 0) compared to FSE (36) and RT-FSE (25).
- FSE detected the most lesions (1217), followed by RT-FSE (1137) and SSFSE (1044), with discrepancies mainly in small, low-contrast lesions.
- No clinically significant differences in overall diagnostic accuracy were observed between the three techniques.
Conclusions:
- Single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) is a reliable, fast, and accurate MRI technique for T2-weighted brain imaging.
- SSFSE significantly mitigates motion artifact, making it particularly beneficial for imaging restless, claustrophobic, or obtunded patients.
- Despite slightly lower lesion detection for subtle findings, SSFSE maintains diagnostic integrity and improves image quality in challenging scenarios.
