Dynamic sagittal half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin-echo MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint: initial experience and comparison with sagittal oblique proton-attenuation images.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to assess dynamic half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using parallel imaging, in comparison with static proton density (Pd) imaging.


METHODS
Thirty-four TMJs from 17 subjects (7 volunteers, 10 patients) were imaged in a multichannel head coil on a 1.5 T magnet by using a 35-second dynamic sagittal HASTE acquisition (TR/TE, 1180/65 msec; matrix, 128 x 128; section thickness, 7 mm; 30 images) and sagittal oblique Pd in closed- and open-mouthed positions (TR/TE, 1800/12 msec; matrix, 256 x 256; section thickness, 2 mm; 15 sections). Images were reviewed by 3 readers and rated for confidence of disk position, presence of motion artifact, range of motion, and presence of disk displacement on a 5-point scale. Consensus review of cases was also performed to assess disk dislocation and limited range of motion.


RESULTS
More static examinations were rated as having motion artifact (19.6% versus 6.9%, P=.016), limited range of motion (30.4% versus 17.7%, P=.016), and disk dislocations (31.4% versus 22.6%, P=.071). Confidence ratings were higher on dynamic examinations (4.11 versus 3.74, P=.018). Chi-squared tests demonstrated no significant difference in consensus reviews of the 2 examination types.


CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic HASTE TMJ MR imaging is a time-efficient adjunct to standard MR imaging protocols, producing fewer motion artifacts, additional range of motion information, and a dynamic assessment of disk position, when compared with static imaging. Further study is needed to evaluate the role of this sequence in diagnosing disk displacement.
Wang
E Y
EY
Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA. wange05@med.nyu.edu
Mulholland
T P
TP
Pramanik
B K
BK
Nusbaum
A O
AO
Babb
J
J
Pavone
A G
AG
Fleisher
K E
KE
D000465:Algorithms; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011522:Protons; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013113:Spin Labels; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
D011522:Protons; D013113:Spin Labels