[Magnetization transfer contrast (MTC)--which is the most MTC-sensitive MRI sequence?].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at evaluating MTC-sensitivity of frequently used MR-sequences.


METHODS
7 sequences (T1-, T2-, PD-weighted SE, four gradient-echo sequences) were combined with a 4 element on-resonance MT-Pulse at 0.5 Tesla (T5, Philips medical systems). The measurements were performed at a knee joint and MT-ratios of cartilage, muscle, fat and a copper sulfate phantom were calculated.


RESULTS
Proton density weighted gradient and to a lesser degree spin-echo sequences were superior to T1- and T2-weighted sequences in visualising the MT effects.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to choose an appropriate MR-sequence for MTC experiments. Proton-density gradient echo sequences are recommended for that purpose. T1- and T2-weighted SE sequences should be avoided.
Vahlensieck
M
M
Radiologische Universitätsklinik Bonn.
Gieseke
J
J
Träber
F
F
Schild
H
H
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D019327:Copper Sulfate; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D019327:Copper Sulfate