title: Performance of PROPELLER relative to standard FSE T2-weighted imaging in pediatric brain MRI.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging (T2-W FSE) is frequently degraded by motion in pediatric patients. MR imaging with periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) employs alternate sampling of k-space to achieve motion reduction.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare T2-W PROPELLER FSE (T2-W PROP) with conventional T2-W FSE for: (1) image quality; (2) presence of artefacts; and (3) ability to detect lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-five pediatric patients undergoing brain MRI (1.5 T) were evaluated with T2-W FSE and T2-W PROP. Three independent radiologists rated T2-W FSE and T2-W PROP, assessing image quality, presence of artefacts, and diagnostic confidence. Chi-square analysis and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to assess the radiologists' responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with T2-W FSE, T2-W PROP demonstrated better image quality and reduced motion artefacts, with the greatest benefit in children younger than 6 months. Although detection rates were comparable for the two sequences, blood products were more conspicuous on T2-W FSE. Diagnostic confidence was higher using T2-W PROP in children younger than 6 months. Average inter-rater agreement was 87%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  T2-W PROP showed reduced motion artefacts and improved diagnostic confidence in children younger than 6 months. Thus, use of T2-W PROP rather than T2-W FSE should be considered in routine imaging of this age group, with caution required in identifying blood products.
authors: Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada V5Z 1M9. talia.vertinsky@vch.ca
authors: A Talia
authors: AT
authors: Vertinsky
authors: Erika
authors: E
authors: Rubesova
authors: Michael V
authors: MV
authors: Krasnokutsky
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Bammer
authors: Jarrett
authors: J
authors: Rosenberg
authors: Allan
authors: A
authors: White
authors: Patrick D
authors: PD
authors: Barnes
authors: Roland
authors: R
authors: Bammer
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity