Reduction of motion, truncation and flow artifacts using BLADE sequences in cervical spine MR imaging

To assess the efficacy of the BLADE technique (MR imaging with 'rotating blade-like k-space covering') to significantly reduce motion, truncation, flow and other artifacts in cervical spine compared to the conventional technique.

In eighty consecutive subjects, who had been routinely scanned for cervical spine examination, the following pairs of sequences were compared: a) T2 TSE SAG vs. T2 TSE SAG BLADE and b) T2 TIRM SAG vs. T2 TIRM SAG BLADE. A quantitative analysis was performed using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measures. A qualitative analysis was also performed by two radiologists, who graded seven image characteristics on a 5-point scale (0: non-visualization; 1: poor; 2: average; 3: good; 4: excellent). The observers also evaluated the presence of image artifacts (motion, truncation, flow, indentation).

In quantitative analysis, the CNR values of the CSF/SC between TIRM SAG and TIRM SAG BLADE were found to present statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Regarding motion and truncation artifacts, the T2 TSE BLADE SAG was superior compared to the T2 TSE SAG, and the T2 TIRM BLADE SAG was superior compared to the T2 TIRM SAG. Regarding flow artifacts, T2 TIRM BLADE SAG eliminated more artifacts than T2 TIRM SAG.

In cervical spine MRI, BLADE sequences appear to significantly reduce motion, truncation and flow artifacts and improve image quality. BLADE sequences are proposed to be used for uncooperative subjects. Nevertheless, more research needs to be done by testing additional specific pathologies.