Evaluation of intraneural ganglion cysts using three-dimensional fast spin echo-cube.
OBJECTIVE
To compare conventional two-dimensional fast spin echo (FSE) MRI sequences with a three-dimensional FSE extended echo train acquisition method, known as Cube, in the evaluation of intraneural ganglion cysts. Also, to demonstrate that Cube enables the consistent identification and thorough characterization of the cystic joint connection, and therefore improves patient care by superior preoperative planning.


METHODS
Six patients with intraneural ganglia in the knee region (five involving the peroneal and one the tibial nerve) were evaluated using both conventional FSE MR sequences and the Cube sequence. Studies were interpreted by the consensus of three board certified musculoskeletal radiologists and one peripheral nerve neurosurgeon. Surgical correlation was available in five of the six cases.


RESULTS
Both imaging methods demonstrated the cysts and at least part of their joint connections after variable amount of postprocessing. Cube proved superior to conventional imaging in its ability to acquire isotropic data that could easily be reconstructed in any plane and its ability to resolve fine anatomical details.


CONCLUSIONS
Cube is a new MR pulse sequence that enables the consistent identification of the intraneural ganglion cyst joint connection. We believe that improved visualization and characterization of the entire cyst will improve patient outcomes by facilitating more accurate surgical intervention.
Shahid
Kameron R
KR
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Spinner
Robert J
RJ
Skinner
John A
JA
Felmlee
Joel P
JP
Bond
Jeffrey R
JR
Stanley
David W
DW
Amrami
Kimberly K
KK
D000328:Adult; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007719:Knee Joint; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013113:Spin Labels; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013113:Spin Labels