Comparison of two-dimensional gradient echo, turbo spin echo and two-dimensional turbo gradient spin echo sequences in MRI of the cervical spinal cord anatomy

The aim of this study was to assess the detectability and distinguishabilit y of the cervical spinal cord, the anterior and posterior spinal roots and of the internal anatomy of the cord (distinction of grey and white matter). For this purpose 20 healthy volunteers T2* examined using a 1.5 T MR unit with 20 mT/m gradient strength and a dedicated circular polarized neck arra y coil. Three T2* weighted (w). 2D gradient echo sequences, two T2 w. 2D tu rbo spin echo (TSE) sequences and one T2 w. 2D turbo gradient spin echo (TG SE) sequence were compared. The multiecho 2D fast low. angle shot (FLASH) s equence with magnetization transfer saturation pulse (me FLASH + MTS) yield ed the best results for liquor/compact bone. liquor,spinal cord and grey/wh ite matter contrast, as found with regions of interest (ROI) analysis. The single echo 2D FLASH sequence was significantly poorer than the two me FLAS H +/- MTS sequences. Two-dimensional TGSE as well as 2D TSE with a 256 matr ix and with a 512 matrix yielded the poorest results. In the visual analysi s the contrast between liquor;ind compact bone, liquor and cord as well as liquor and roots was best with me FLASH + MTS, whereas grey/white matter di stinction was best using me FLASH - MTS. In conclusion. we would therefore recommend the inclusion of an axial T2* w. multiecho 2D spoiled gradient ec ho sequence with magnetization transfer saturation pulse and gradient motio n rephasing in a MR imaging protocol of the cervical spine. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.