Zero Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Techniques and Clinical Utility in Musculoskeletal System

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Zero echo time (ZTE) is an advanced MRI technique.
• It excels at imaging tissues with short T2 relaxation times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging physics, limitations, and reconstruction of ZTE sequences.
• To discuss the clinical utility of ZTE in musculoskeletal disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of ZTE sequence physics.
• Analysis of practical limitations and image reconstruction methods.
• Discussion of clinical applications in the musculoskeletal system.

Main Results:

• ZTE enables T2- and T2* weighted imaging of short-T2 tissues.
• The technique is increasingly utilized in musculoskeletal imaging.
• ZTE can be integrated into clinical workflows.

Conclusions:

• ZTE is a promising MRI technique for musculoskeletal disorders.
• It offers a potential alternative to CT, reducing radiation exposure and costs.