T(2)weighted half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo-spin-echo-sequence incomparison with standard T-2-weighted fast-spin-echo-sequence for cerebralMRI. A sequence comparison.

Purpose: To compare a T-2-weighted half-fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin-echo (HF-TSE) sequence (HASTE-sequence) for cerebral MRI with a standa rd T-2-weighted fast spin-echo (TSE) sequence. Materials and Methods: Signa l-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) for different cerebral structures, and intracerebral lesions as well as the detectability of intra cerebral lesions depending on size and relaxation properties were evaluated on cranial MR examinations of 46 patients with both a TSE and a HF-TSE seq uence. Results: SNR and CNR were found to be significantly higher with the TSE sequence for all normal structures and lesions except CSF, and lesions with short relaxation time T-2 (p < 0.001). The number of detected lesions larger than 10 mm was similar with both sequences. Thirty-six (TSE) and 34 (HF-TSE) hyperintense, and 7 (TSE) and 2 (HF-TSE) hypointense lesions of at least 5 mm but less than 10 nlm in size were detected. Thirty-three (TSE) and 10 (HF-TSE) hyperintense, and 2 (TSE) and no (HF-TSE) hypointense lesio ns smaller than 5 mm were detected. Conclusion: Due to its short acquisitio n time, the HF-TSE sequence is an alternative for VIR examinations of non-c ompliant or claustrophobic patients. The low SNR and CNR relative to the TS E-technique are limiting factors as to the detectability of small lesions o r lesions with low contrast to surrounding structures, with the risk of an increasing number of false negative results in lesions with short T-2 relax ation time smaller than 10 mm.