title: BLADE sequences in transverse T2-weighted MR imaging of the cervical spine. Cut-off for Artefacts?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The BLADE (PROPELLER) technique reduces artefacts in imaging of the cervical spine in sagittal orientation, but till now failed to do so in axial orientation, because here it increased through plane CSF-flow artefacts, which spoiled the benefit of BLADE artefact reduction "in plane". The aim of this study was to compare a BLADE sequence with optimised measurement parameters in axial orientation to T2-TSE.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both sequences were compared in 58 patients with 31 discal, 16 bony and 11 spinal cord lesions. Image sharpness, reliability of spinal cord depiction, CSF flow artefacts and lesion detection were evaluated by 3 independent observers. Additionally the observers were asked which sequence they would prefer for diagnostic workup. Statistical evaluations were performed using sign and χ2 test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BLADE was significantly superior concerning image sharpness, spinal cord depiction and overall lesion detection. BLADE was rated better for most pathologies, for bony lesions the differences compared with TSE were statistically significant. Regarding CSF-flow artefacts both sequences showed no difference. All readers preferred BLADE in side by side reading.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An optimised axial T2 BLADE sequence decreases the problems of increased through plane CSF-flow artefacts in this orientation. By reducing various other artefacts it yields better image quality and has the potential to reduce the number of non-diagnostic examinations especially in uncooperative patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Hospital Nuremberg Sued, Nuremberg.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Finkenzeller
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Wendl
authors.affiliation: Radiology and Neuroradiology, Klinikum Weiden.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lenhart
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stroszczynski
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroradiology, Center of Neuroradiology, Regensburg.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schuierer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fellner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult