Comparative study of 3D-SPGR vs 2D-SE T1WI after enhancement in the brain

The utility of three-dimensional spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (3D-SPGR) imaging in the cerebral diseases was evaluated and 3D-SPGR after enhancement in depicting contrast enhancement of all lesions and 2D-SE T1WI comparatively analyzed. 117 patients were subjected to MRI by a GE 1.5T MR system. After performance of axial T1WI and T2WI in all patients, MRA (3D-MOTSA) images were acquired in 6 cases (8 lesions) of aneurysms. After enhancement, 3D-SPGR images were obtained in all the remaining patients. Quality parameters (SNR, C and CNR) were calculated on enhanced 2D-SE T1WI and 3D-SPGR images. And a four-point scale was used to measure the signal intensity of the main lesions on both sequences, then statistical analysis of the average score was performed with "t" test. Except for aneurysms, 2D-SE T1WI detected 134 lesions and 3D-SPGR disclosed 147 lesions. It was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the two average scores as determined by the "t" test (t = 1,894, P > 0.05). The enhancement degree of the main lesion was equivalent on 3D-SPGR and 2D-SE T1WI. Quality parameters (SNR, C and CNR) on 2D-SE T1WI were much larger than that of 3D-SPGR, increasing by an average of 57%, 20% and 97% respectively. 3D-SPGR imaging with MPR could clearly depict vascularity related to neoplasms in 20 cases and demonstrate shifted, deformed and blocked vessels involved by tumors. Six cases of large aneurysms (8 lesions) were visualized more clearly on 3D-SPGR than MRA (3D-MOTSA): 3D-SPGR could display aneurysm necks and differentiate thrombosed portion from the patent lumen, and disclose relationship of aneurysm to surrounding structures. It was concluded that enhanced 3D-SPGR played an important role in the depiction of the cerebral lesions and was superior to 2D-SE T1WI in many aspects.