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Improvement of T2-weighted images of central nervous system by motion artifact suppression technique (MAST)
S Iwasaki1, H Nakagawa, H Uchida
1Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Japan.
Abstract:
Standard spin echo sequences of MRI with and without motion artifact suppression technique (MAST) were compared in 45 paired images of brain and 21 paired images of spine. The images were obtained on a Picker 1.5 T system with TR = 2 sec and TE = 100 or 120 msec. MAST is a method of refocusing transverse magnetization at echo time by modification of the gradient waveforms. Transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes of brain were compared in 10 paired images obtained from adults and five paired images from children. The spine was studied in sagittal images, 11 cervical images of adults, five lumbar images of adults, and five lumbar images of children. MAST was proven to be valuable not only for the detection of lesions but also for picturing anatomical details as in MR-cisternography and MR-myelography and the effects of iron ions. MAST improves significantly the quality of T2-weighted images, especially in children.
Insights
Motion artifact suppression technique (MAST) significantly improves T2-weighted MRI quality, aiding lesion detection and anatomical detail visualization in brain and spine imaging, particularly in children.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Motion artifacts degrade MRI image quality, complicating diagnosis.
- Standard spin echo sequences are susceptible to motion artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the motion artifact suppression technique (MAST) in improving MRI quality.
- To compare standard spin echo sequences with and without MAST for brain and spine imaging.
Main Methods:
- Paired brain (45) and spine (21) MRI images were acquired using a 1.5 T system.
- Standard spin echo sequences with and without MAST were compared.
- Images included transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes for the brain, and sagittal planes for the spine.
- Studies involved adult and pediatric subjects.
Main Results:
- MAST significantly enhanced the quality of T2-weighted images.
- MAST improved lesion detection and visualization of anatomical details (e.g., MR-cisternography, MR-myelography).
- Image quality improvement was particularly notable in pediatric subjects.
Conclusions:
- MAST is a valuable tool for improving MRI quality in both brain and spine imaging.
- MAST aids in the detection of lesions and visualization of fine anatomical structures.
- The technique shows particular benefit for pediatric imaging and T2-weighted sequences.