T2-weighted MRI for the assessment of joint effusion: comparative study of conventional spin-echo and fast spin-echo sequences.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of suitable conventional spin-echo (CSE) and fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted imaging parameters for the assessment of joint effusion in a phantom study and in a comparative study of CSE and FSE using clinical cases.


METHODS
In the phantom study, the signal ratios of water and oil signal fields were determined and studied comparatively. The shape and size of signals were evaluated separately. In the study of joint effusion images, 318 joints were evaluated. CSE T2-weighted imaging and FSE T2-weighted imaging were carried out, and a comparative assessment was performed.


RESULTS
In both CSE and FSE imaging, the ratios of mean MRI signal values showed divergence as TR/TE values increased. The evaluation of joint effusion with FSE TR/TE 8000/120 msec was significantly better than that in all other groups (P <.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of FSE requires investigation of TR/TE values. When a 0.5 T static field strength MRI apparatus is employed, TR/TE 8000/120 msec is recommended.
Mori
Shintaro
S
Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. morishin@mascat.nihon-u.ac.jp
Kaneda
Takashi
T
Lee
Kwangsoon
K
Kato
Masataka
M
Motohashi
Junko
J
Ogura
Ichiro
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D013582:Synovial Fluid; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000473:pathology