Multislab three-dimensional T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging of the hippocampus: sequence optimization.
Three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo (FSE) imaging can produce contiguous thin sections for high-quality multiplanar reconstructions. Such reformatted images may be useful in the evaluation of three-dimensionally complex, curvilinear anatomic structures such as the hippocampus. The authors describe a 3D FSE protocol for T2-weighted imaging of the hippocampus. The protocol uses an overlapping-multiple-slab imaging strategy to decrease imaging times and a modified refocusing radio-frequency pulse train to improve the reformatted images. The authors describe their parameter optimization, discuss the benefits and limitations of the new sequence, and present representative images of healthy volunteers.
Murakami
J W
JW
Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Weinberger
E
E
Tsuruda
J S
JS
Mitchell
J D
JD
Yuan
C
C
D016477:Artifacts; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008961:Models, Structural