title: High-resolution MRI of the labyrinth: optimization of scan parameters with 3D-FSE.
abstract: The aim of our study was to optimize the parameters of high-resolution MRI of the labyrinth with a 3D-FSE sequence. We investigated TR, TE, Matrix, FOV, and coil selection in terms of CNR (contrast-to-noise ratio) and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) by comparing axial images and/or three-dimensional images. The optimal 3D-FSE sequence parameters were as follows: 1.5 Tesla MR unit (Signa LX, GE Medical Systems), 3D-FSE sequence, dual 3-inch surface coil, acquisition time=12.08 min., TR=5000 msec, TE=300 msec, 3 NEX, FOV=12 cm, matrix=256 x 256, slice thickness=0.5 mm/0.0 sp, echo train=64, bandwidth=+/-31.5 kHz. High-resolution MRI of the labyrinth using the optimized 3D-FSE sequence parameters permits visualization of important anatomic details (such as scala tympani and scala vestibuli), making it possible to determine inner ear anomalies and the patency of cochlear turns. To obtain excellent heavily T2-weighted axial and three-dimensional images in the labyrinth, high CNR, SNR, and spatial resolution are significant factors at the present time. Furthermore, it is important not only to optimize the scan parameters of 3D-FSE but also to select an appropriate coil for high-resolution MRI of the labyrinth.
authors.affiliation: Sapporo Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Molecular and Organ Regulation, Division of Organ Function and Therapeutics, Radiation Oncology, Imaging, and Diagnosis.
authors.forename: Motomichi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakata
authors.forename: Kuniaki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Harada
authors.forename: Ryuji
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shirase
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumagai
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ogasawara
mesh_terms: D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging