Comparison of multiple sclerosis lesions at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relative sensitivity of MR scanning for multiple sclerosis (MS) at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3.0 T using identical acquisition conditions, as is typical of multicenter clinical trials.


METHODS
Twenty-five subjects with MS were scanned at 1.5 T and 3.0 T using fast spin echo, and T(1)-weighted SPGR with and without gadolinium contrast injections. Image data, blinded to field strength, were analyzed using automated segmentation and lesion counting.


RESULTS
Relative to scanning at 1.5 T, the 3.0 T scans showed a 21% increase in the number of detected contrast enhancing lesions, a 30% increase in enhancing lesion volume and a 10% increase in total lesion volume.


CONCLUSIONS
The improved detection ability using high-field MR imaging is prominent even when sequence parameters are optimized around the midfield units. Multicenter trials using both 1.5 T and 3.0 T instruments may be affected by these sensitivity differences.
Sicotte
Nancy L
NL
Department of Neurology, Division of Brain Mapping, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Voskuhl
Rhonda R
RR
Bouvier
Seth
S
Klutch
Rochelle
R
Cohen
Mark S
MS
Mazziotta
John C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium