The value of fast gradient-echo MR sequences in the evaluation of brain disease.
One-hundred-fifteen patients thought to have intracranial disease were studied with various two-dimensional short repetition time, partial-flip-angle gradient-echo techniques: at 1.0 T, fast low-angle short (FLASH) at 10 degrees and 30 degrees and fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) at 60 degrees; at 1.5 T, FLASH 10 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees, FISP 60 degrees, and contrast-enhanced fast steady state at 60 degrees. These sequences were compared with a T2-weighted spin-echo sequence to determine the relative sensitivities of these techniques in detecting parenchymal lesions. Except for hemorrhagic lesions a substantial number of abnormalities were either not visible or poorly seen on the partial-flip-angle gradient-echo sequences. Minimizing echo time (6-9 msec) to decrease magnetic susceptibility effects did not improve lesion detection. Current usage of two-dimensional gradient-echo techniques for lesion detection is limited, except when calcification or hemorrhage is involved. Their utility may be expanded via the incorporation of three-dimensional techniques and IV contrast agents.
Steinberg
P M
PM
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106.
Ross
J S
JS
Modic
M T
MT
Tkach
J
J
Masaryk
T J
TJ
Haacke
E M
EM
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods