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The MR appearance of gray and white matter in the cervical spinal cord
L F Czervionke1, D L Daniels, P S Ho
1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Milwaukee 53226.
Abstract:
Artifacts that can distort the appearance of the cervical spinal cord are caused by data truncation during MR image reconstruction. We used a phantom and then correlated anatomic sections with MR images in cadavers and normal volunteers to evaluate the effect of truncation artifacts on the MR appearance of the spinal cord. When truncation artifacts are minimized, the gray matter and major white-matter columns in the cervical cord can be recognized. T2-weighted gradient-echo MR techniques can best differentiate gray from white matter.
Insights
Minimizing data truncation artifacts in cervical spinal cord MRI improves visualization of gray and white matter. T2-weighted gradient-echo techniques are optimal for distinguishing these tissues.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Data truncation during Magnetic Resonance (MR) image reconstruction can create artifacts.
- These artifacts distort the appearance of the cervical spinal cord on MR images.
- Accurate visualization of cervical spinal cord anatomy is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of truncation artifacts on the MR appearance of the cervical spinal cord.
- To determine methods for minimizing these artifacts and improving image quality.
- To identify optimal MR techniques for differentiating gray and white matter in the cervical cord.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a phantom study to simulate truncation artifacts.
- Correlated anatomic sections with MR images in cadavers.
- Acquired MR images from normal volunteers.
- Evaluated the effect of artifact reduction on cervical spinal cord visualization.
Main Results:
- Minimizing truncation artifacts significantly enhances the recognition of gray matter and major white-matter columns.
- T2-weighted gradient-echo MR techniques demonstrated the best ability to differentiate cervical spinal cord gray from white matter.
- Artifacts were shown to distort the normal appearance of the spinal cord structures.
Conclusions:
- Data truncation artifacts are a significant source of error in cervical spinal cord MR imaging.
- Careful attention to image reconstruction parameters can minimize these artifacts.
- T2-weighted gradient-echo sequences are recommended for detailed assessment of cervical spinal cord gray and white matter differentiation.