Comparison of 2D single-shot turbo-spin-echo and spin-echo echo-planar diffusion weighted brain MRI at 3.0 Tesla: preliminary experience in children

Publication date: March–April 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 42
Author(s): Amber L. Pokorney, Jeffrey H. Miller, Houchun H. Hu
PurposeTo qualitatively compare a 2D single-shot turbo-spin-echo (ssTSE) diffusion-weighted imaging MRI technique with a spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SE-EPI) approach in pediatric neuroimaging.MethodsImages were acquired at 3T in 15 patients (10.6±6.0years). A neuroradiologist rated the data based on the severity of image artifacts from air-tissue interfaces and devices such as ventriculoperitoneal shunts and orthodontia, and whether their presence affected diagnostic image quality.ResultsssTSE was preferred over SE-EPI in diagnostic image quality and exhibited fewer clinically relevant artifacts (p<0.01).ConclusionssTSE provides superior diffusion-weighted brain images at 3T, particularly in the presence of orthodontia and shunts.

Graphical abstract

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