Meniscal abnormalities of the knee: 3DFT fast-scan GRASS MR imaging.
The ability to use fast-scan techniques to obtain MR images without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy is a desirable goal in MR imaging. We describe a series of patients in whom fast-scan MR imaging was found to be equal to conventional spin-echo imaging in the detection and characterization of meniscal abnormalities. Thirty-five patients with suspected meniscal tears were studied with fast-scan imaging (3DFT-GRASS), and the results were compared with those of conventional spin-echo imaging. Three-millimeter contiguous sections through the entire knee were obtained in 5 min by using the 3DFT-GRASS technique. 3DFT-GRASS and spin-echo images agreed in all cases regarding the presence or absence of an abnormality and its degree of severity. We conclude that fast-scan 3DFT-GRASS MR imaging is useful when screening the knee for the presence of meniscal abnormalities.
Haggar
A M
AM
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202.
Froelich
J W
JW
Hearshen
D O
DO
Sadasivan
K
K
D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology*; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries