HASTE sequence and cine-MRI evaluation of the cervical spinal canal: evaluation in 11 healthy subjects

Purpose: We studied 11 healthy subjects were evaluated using cine MR imagin g comparing HASTE and gradient echo sequences. Materials and methods: HASTE is a high-speed turbo-spin echo T2-weighted se quence. All examinations were per formed using dynamic MRI using a simple p rocess allowing acquisition of images at different stages during flexion an d extension. The cine MR evaluation was obtained by rebuilding a cine-loop sequence. Results: HASTE sequence provides a myelographic effect of the cervical spin e. The size, the pattern and the movements of the cervical spine, the spina l cord, as well as the functional reserve of cerebro-spinal fluid are analy sable. Conclusion : Because of its very high speed, HASTE sequence is particularly useful for cine MR imaging.