Comparison of FSE T2 W PROPELLER and 3D-FIESTA of 3 T MR for the internal auditory canal

Clin Imaging. 2017 Sep-Oct:45:30-33. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.09.001. Epub 2016 Oct 4.

Abstract

Objective: The study compared the use of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique fast spin echo (FSE) T2 W and the sequence of three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA) technique in the MRI of the internal auditory canal for overall image quality improvement.

Materials and methods: One hundred thirty-two patients undergoing FSE T2 W PROPELLER and 3D-FIESTA examinations of the internal auditory canal were included. All examinations were performed at 3.0 T with comparison of a sagittal oblique FSE T2 W sequence with the PROPELLER technique to 3D-FIESTA in the same reconstructed orientation with PROPELLER. Image quality was evaluated by two radiologists using a 4-point scale. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the data of the two techniques.

Results: The image quality of FSE T2 W PROPELLER was significantly improved compared to the reconstructed images of 3D-FIESTA. Observer 1: median FSE T2 W with PROPELLER, 4 [mean, 3.455] versus median reconstructed 3D-FIESTA, 3 [mean, 3.15], (P<.001); Observer 2: median FSE T2 W with PROPELLER, 4 [mean, 3.47] versus median reconstructed 3D-FIESTA, 3 [mean, 3.25], (P<.001). Interobserver agreement was good (k value, 0.73) for the rating of the overall image quality.

Conclusion: The FSE T2 W PROPELLER technique for MRI of internal auditory canal reduced uncertainty caused by motion artifact and improved the quality of the image compared to the reconstructed 3D-FIESTA. It was affected by different parameters including the blade width, echo train length (ETL). This is explained by data oversampling at the center region of k-space, which requires additional imaging time over conventional MRI techniques. Increasing blade was expected to improve motion correction effects but also the signal-to-noise ratio. ETL increases the image sharpness and the overall image quality.

Keywords: 3D–FIESTA; FSE T2 W PROPELLER; Internal auditory canal; MR.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Artifacts
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ear, Inner / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motion
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  • Young Adult