title: Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery BLADE magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: an alternative to spin-echo technique for detection of brain lesions in the unsedated pediatric patient?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We compared contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain using different types of data acquisition techniques: periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER, BLADE) imaging versus standard k-space sampling (conventional spin-echo pulse sequence) in the unsedated pediatric patient with focus on artifact reduction, overall image quality, and lesion detectability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight pediatric patients (aged 3 months to 18 years) were scanned with a clinical 1.5-T whole body MR scanner. Cross-sectional contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo sequence was compared to a T1-weighted dark-fluid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) BLADE sequence for qualitative and quantitative criteria (image artifacts, image quality, lesion detectability) by two experienced radiologists. Imaging protocols were matched for imaging parameters. Reader agreement was assessed using the exact Bowker test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BLADE images showed significantly less pulsation and motion artifacts than the standard T1-weighted spin-echo sequence scan. BLADE images showed statistically significant lower signal-to-noise ratio but higher contrast-to-noise ratios with superior gray-white matter contrast. All lesions were demonstrated on FLAIR BLADE imaging, and one false-positive lesion was visible in spin-echo sequence images.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BLADE MR imaging at 1.5 T is applicable for central nervous system imaging of the unsedated pediatric patient, reduces motion and pulsation artifacts, and minimizes the need for sedation or general anesthesia without loss of relevant diagnostic information.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology, University of Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 1, 91054 Erlangen/Germany. sedat.alibek@uk-erlangen.de
authors.forename: Sedat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alibek
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Adamietz
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.forename: Alto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stemmer
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anders
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bautz
authors.forename: Gundula
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Staatz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male