Rofo 2005; 177 - A16
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-931830

3D imaging of the whole Spine at 3 Tesla, initial experiences

EA Rodegerdts 1, A Boss 1, K Riemarzik 1, M Lichy 1, F Schick 1, CD Claussen 1, HP Schlemmer 1
  • 1Universität Tübingen, Abteilung für Radiologische Diagnostik, Tübingen, Germany

Purpose: A novel device for 3T whole body imaging was recently made available. The aim of the resent study was to describe our first experiences with this system for T2-weighted 3D whole spine imaging.

Methods: MR Imaging of the whole spine was performed by implementing a 3D fast spin echo sequence with variable flip angle refocusing pulses at 3T, and 1.5T. Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) was compared on both systems.

Results: Mean values for SNR were significantly higher at 3T (346±214) for 1.0mm voxel size compared to 1.5T (202±41), but showed considerably higher variability at 3T. At 3T measurements with 0.9mm voxel size were possible with similar SNR as with 1,0mm voxel size at 1,5T.

Conclusions: High resolution 3D imaging of the whole spine is feasible at 3T with signal-to-noise gain compared to 1.5T. Signal gain at 3T can be used to further increase spatial resolution.