3.0 T high-resolution MR imaging of carpal ligaments and TFCC

To determine the diagnostic value of 3.0 Tesla MRI for imaging carpal ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Image quality of different optimized MRI sequences is evaluated for high resolution wrist anatomy.

Ten healthy volunteers were examined at 3.0 T and 1.5 T using following sequences: T1 SE, fat-saturated PD-/T2-TSE, TIRM, 3D T1/T2* DESS, 3D-CISS, 2D and 3D T2* MEDIC. Voxel size varied from 0.2 x 0.2 x 1.5 mm (2D sequences) to 0.33 mm (3) and 0.26 mm (3) (3D sequences). Image quality (signal-to-noise-ratio, contrast-to-noise-ratio, artifacts) and carpal ligament/TFCC detection rate were judged by a score. The results obtained from the 3.0 T and 1.5 T devices were compared.

With identical voxel size, image matrix and FOV, 3.0 T MRI provided significantly better image quality and ligament detection rates for all sequences in comparison with 1.5 T. The 2D and 3D MEDIC sequences yielded best image quality and detection rates. Excellent image quality and visualization of ligament structures by the fat-suppressed PD-TSE sequence were compromised by a relatively high susceptibility to pulsation and motion artifacts. T1 SE and 3D DESS sequences gave moderate image quality and allowed only partial differentiation between ligament structures. TIRM, T2-TSE and 3D-CISS sequence proved to be unsuitable for examining ligaments at 3.0 T due to their poor image quality and detection rate.

3.0 T MRI of the wrist proved to be superior to 1.5 T MRI for high-resolution imaging of carpal ligaments and TFCC using 2D and 3D T2* MEDIC sequences. Clinical studies investigating ligament injuries or carpal instability are recommended for evaluating clinical relevance of high-resolution MRI of the wrist.