Performance of PROPELLER relative to standard FSE T2-weighted imaging in pediatric brain MRI.
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.
Vertinsky
A Talia
AT
Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada V5Z 1M9. talia.vertinsky@vch.ca
Rubesova
Erika
E
Krasnokutsky
Michael V
MV
Bammer
Sabine
S
Rosenberg
Jarrett
J
White
Allan
A
Barnes
Patrick D
PD
Bammer
Roland
R
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