Comparison of image quality characteristics on Silent MR versus conventional MR imaging of brain lesions at 3 Tesla.
To compare signal- and contrast-to-noise-ratio (SNR, CNR), conspicuity values and subjective image quality characteristics of Silent MRI and conventional MRI in brain disorders at 3 T.
26 patients were prospectively examined with a 3 T MRI. Silent Scan was added to standardized MR protocol. Silenz T1weighted (Tlw) and Silent T2weighted (T2w) sequences were compared to standard Tlw and T2w. Analysis was performed quantitatively (SNR, CNR, conspicuity values) and by visual assessment on a 4-point scale with regard to lesion visibility, lesion delineation, grey-white differentiation and diagnostic usefulness. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Sign test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Silenz Tlw vs Tlw provided decreased SNR, but increased CNR (SNRparenchyma, SNRlesion: p = 0.000, CNRlesion: p = 0.003). Silent T2w vs T2w showed better SNR and CNR values (SNRparenchyma, p = 0.014; SNRlesion, p = 0.005; CNRlesion, p = 0.005). Conspicuity values were not significantly different on Silenz Tlw vs Tlw and Silent T2w vs T2w. The visual assessment revealed Silenz Tlw to be significantly superior to Tlw in terms of grey- white differentiation (p = 0.000), lesion visibility (p = 0.003) and overall diagnostic usefulness (p = 0.001). In terms of Silent T2w vs T2w, there was a significant difference in grey-white differentiation in favour of Silent T2w (p = 0.016).
Silent Scan is suitable for 3 T with image quality characteristics comparable to conventional MRI.
Silent Scan has a diagnostic value comparable to conventional MRI, with the advantage of a quiet MR exam improving patient MR experience.
1 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Caritasklinikum Saarbruecken St. Theresia, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Susanne
S
Ohlmann-Knafo
2 School of Engineering, htw saar, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Melanie
M
Morlo
1 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Caritasklinikum Saarbruecken St. Theresia, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.
David Laszlo
DL
Tarnoki
1 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Caritasklinikum Saarbruecken St. Theresia, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Adam Domonkos
AD
Tarnoki
2 School of Engineering, htw saar, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Barbara
B
Grabowski
2 School of Engineering, htw saar, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Melanie
M
Kaspar
1 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Caritasklinikum Saarbruecken St. Theresia, Academic Teaching Hospital of Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Dirk
D
Pickuth