MRI of the cervical spine with 3D gradient echo sequence at 3 T: initial experience

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neuroimaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Conventional 2D T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) MR sequences are standard for cervical spine imaging.
• Distinguishing grey and white matter in the cervical spinal cord is crucial for detailed anatomical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of 3D high-resolution T2*-weighted gradient echo (3D FFE) MR sequence against conventional 2D T2-weighted TSE MR sequence for cervical spine imaging.
• To evaluate the detectability of internal cervical spinal cord anatomy, specifically grey and white matter differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen volunteers were scanned using a 3.0T MR unit.
• Quantitative analysis included signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios, and image homogeneity.
• Qualitative assessment involved evaluating anatomical structure visibility and artifacts, with statistical analysis using paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• The 3D FFE sequence demonstrated superior contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) versus white matter, grey matter, disk, and bone.
• Excellent CNR was achieved for grey matter versus white matter differentiation, clearly displaying the butterfly-shaped 'H' structure.
• Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between 2D TSE and 3D FFE sequences in CSF versus spinal cord contrast.

Conclusions:

• The 3D FFE sequence is superior to the 2D TSE sequence for MR imaging of the cervical spinal cord.
• This advanced sequence provides enhanced delineation of the spinal cord's internal anatomical structures.