FAST SPIN-ECHO STIR IMAGING

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the image quality, contrast charac teristics, and possible clinical utility of STIR images obtained using a fast SE (FSE) technique. Materials and Methods: The signal and cont rast characteristics of FSE STIR images were evaluated using a lipid/w ater phantom and normal volunteers. Based upon these results, optimal FSE STIR imaging parameters were chosen. Conventional STIR and FSE STI R images were then obtained (while maintaining an equal number of sect ion locations between the two sequences) in a series of 14 patients wi th known musculoskeletal abnormalities. These images were compared sid e by side by two experienced MR radiologists for image quality and les ion detection.Results: There were no statistically significant differe nces between the FSE STIR images and conventional STIR images in lesio n detection, image quality, motion artifact, or final diagnosis. Concl usion: STIR imaging provides optimal contrast for detection of many pa thologic abnormalities. This is especially true for musculoskeletal tu mors and infection. The long imaging time and reduced number of sectio ns obtainable with conventional SE (CSE) STIR sequences limit their ro utine use. Our results show that FSE STIR images of the musculoskeleta l system can be obtained up to seven times more rapidly than CSE STIR images without compromising lesion detection or image quality.