Three-dimensional gradient echo versus spin echo sequence in contrast-enhanced imaging of the pituitary gland at 3T.
BACKGROUND
To clarify whether a three-dimensional-gradient echo (3D-GRE) or spin echo (SE) sequence is more useful for evaluating sellar lesions on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging at 3.0Tesla (T).


METHODS
We retrospectively assessed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images using 3D-GRE and SE sequences at 3.0T obtained from 33 consecutive patients with clinically suspected sellar lesions. Two experienced neuroradiologists evaluated the images qualitatively in terms of the following criteria: boundary edge of the cavernous sinus and pituitary gland, border of sellar lesions, delineation of the optic nerve and cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus, susceptibility and flow artifacts, and overall image quality.


RESULTS
At 3.0T, 3D-GRE provided significantly better images than the SE sequence in terms of the border of sellar lesions, delineation of cranial nerves, and overall image quality; there was no significant difference regarding the boundary edge of the cavernous sinus and pituitary gland. In addition, the 3D-GRE sequence showed fewer pulsation artifacts but more susceptibility artifacts.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that 3D-GRE is the more suitable sequence for evaluating sellar lesions on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging at 3.0T.
Kakite
Suguru
S
Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan. sugkaki@med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Fujii
Shinya
S
Kurosaki
Masamichi
M
Kanasaki
Yoshiko
Y
Matsusue
Eiji
E
Kaminou
Toshio
T
Ogawa
Toshihide
T
D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000473:pathology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA