H. Yoshioka et al., MAGNETIZATION-TRANSFER CONTRAST IMAGING OF THE CERVICAL-SPINE AT 0.3-T, Journal of computer assisted tomography, 18(6), 1994, pp. 947-953
Objective: We assessed the efficacy of magnetization transfer contrast
(MTC) imaging of the cervical spine in conjunction with a gradient re
called echo (GRE) technique using a 0.3 T permanent magnet imager. Mat
erials and Methods: Seventy patients were prospectively investigated.
Multislice sagittal and axial images of the cervical spine with and wi
thout MTC were obtained using a GRE sequence (TR/TE/flip angle = 750 m
s/23 ms/25 degrees). The contrast-to-noise ratios (C/Ns) for CSF versu
s cord or disk were calculated for quantitative analysis. Qualitative
image analysis was also performed. Results: Both sagittal and axial MT
C images had significantly higher C/N values than conventional GRE ima
ges. The MTC images showed better differentiation between the CSF and
the cord or thecal sac as well as better delineation of the nerve root
s. Furthermore, MTC images demonstrated syringo-myelia more clearly th
an conventional images. Conclusion: Magnetization transfer contrast im
ages at 0.3 T ace effective for diagnosing diseases of the cervical sp
ine.