Investigative radiology
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Investigative radiology · Feb 2006
Comparative StudyT1-weighted imaging of the brain at 3 tesla using a 2-dimensional spoiled gradient echo technique.
The objective of this study was to evaluate a 2-dimensional spoiled gradient echo (GRE) imaging approach using a very short in-phase TE for routine T1-weighted imaging of the brain at 3 T. ⋯ High-quality, thin-section (3-mm) T1-weighted imaging can be readily performed at 3 T using a short TE 2-D GRE technique. This approach offers superior SNR and CNR with reduced motion artifacts and scan time as compared with imaging at 1.5 T and is advocated for routine brain imaging at 3 T. It is robust (used in over 1500 patients to date) and does not experience significant specific absorption ratio limitations, poor tissue contrast, or accentuated motion artifacts like encountered with spin echo T1-weighted imaging at 3 T.
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Three-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging represents one of the major forefronts of diagnostic neuroradiology today. Heat deposition, changes in T1 relaxation rates, susceptibility differences, and greater inherent sensitivity to motion artifacts represent challenges to clinical implementation. ⋯ Current-generation 3 T MR units already provide markedly improved imaging of the brain as compared with 1.5 T units. This is illustrated in the article that follows, together with many of the advanced techniques now available and in the pipeline to deal with the difficulties inherent at 3 T.