Uniform fat suppression in hands and feet through the use of two-point Dixon chemical shift MR imaging

To assess the potential of two-point Dixon chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging to achieve uniform fat suppression in the distal parts of the extremities.

Two-point Dixon chemical shift imaging was performed in 31 consecutive patients clinically suspected to have bone marrow disease. In some patients, Dixon studies were performed before and after the intravenous administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine, and in some patients follow-up examinations were performed, for a total of 64 studies. Areas of interest were the hand, wrist, foot, ankle, and lower leg. There was a special interest in the neuropathic foot and osteomyelitis. The uniformity of fat suppression in the entire field of view, the frequency of displacement artifacts, and the applicability of the technique in routine patient treatment were evaluated.

In 64 (100%) Dixon studies, uniform fat suppression was achieved. In 59 (92%) studies, there were no displacement artifacts. In five (8%) studies, displacement artifacts occurred; however, in only one (2%) study did they severely hamper the reading. Thus, in 63 (98%) studies, adequate diagnostic quality was obtained.

Two-point Dixon chemical shift imaging is a good technique for achieving uniform fat suppression in the distal parts of the extremities. Because the frequency of displacement artifacts is low, the technique is applicable in a routine clinical setting.