Contrast enhancement of short T2 tissues using ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effects of contrast administration on tissues with short T2s using a pulse ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence.


METHODS
Pulse sequences were implemented with echo times of 0.08 ms and three later gradient echoes. A fat-suppression option was used and later echo images were subtracted from the first echo image. Contrast enhancement with gadodiamide (0.3 mmol/kg) was used for serial studies in a volunteer. The images of 10 patients were reviewed for evidence of contrast enhancement in short T2 tissues.


RESULTS
Contrast enhancement was seen in normal meninges, falx, tendons, ligaments, menisci, periosteum and cortical bone. In addition more extensive enhancement than with conventional pulse sequences was seen in meningeal disease, intervertebral disc disease, periligamentous scar tissue and periosteum after fracture. Subtraction of an image taken with a longer TE from the first image was of value in differentiating enhancement in short T2 tissues from that in long T2 tissues or blood.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast enhancement can be identified in tissues with short T2s using UTE pulse sequences in health and disease.
Robson
M D
MD
The Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Gatehouse
P D
PD
So
P W
PW
Bell
J D
JD
Bydder
G M
GM
D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008578:Meninges / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D003287:Contrast Media; C064925:gadodiamide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA