title: Dynamic 1.5-T vs 3-T true fast imaging with steady-state precession (trueFISP)-MRI sequences for assessment of velopharyngeal function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the image quality of MRI scans produced with 1.5- and 3.0-T devices during functional test condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  65 MRI scans obtained with 1.5- (n = 43) or 3.0-T (n = 22) true fast imaging with steady-state precession (trueFISP) sequences from patients with a history of a cleft palate were evaluated. Two experts assessed the MRI scans, independently of each other, and blinded to the MRI technique used. Subjective ratings were entered on a five-point Likert scale. The median planes of three anatomical structures (velum, tongue and pharyngeal wall) were assessed in three functional states (at rest, during phonation of sustained "e" and during articulation of "kkk"). In addition, MRI scans taken during velopharyngeal closure were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Under blinded conditions, both observers (radiologist and orthodontist) independently rated the quality of 1.5-T scans higher than that of 3.0 T. Statistical analysis of pooled data showed that the differences were highly significant (p < 0.009) in 4 out of 10 test conditions. The greatest differences in favour of 1.5 T were observed for MRI scans of the velum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1.5 T used with trueFISP may be preferable over 3.0-T trueFISP for the evaluation of the velopharyngeal structures in the clinical routine.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sinko
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Biomedical Imaging und Image-guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Czerny
authors.affiliation: 3 Institute of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jagsch
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Biomedical Imaging und Image-guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kulinna-Cosentini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010699:Phonation / Q000502:physiology; D010700:Phonetics; D014059:Tongue / Q000503:physiopathology; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cleft palate; functional MRI; image quality; velopharyngeal closure; velopharyngeal insufficiency