Visualization of wrist anatomy - a comparison between 7T and 3T MRI

• Objective Injuries to the wrist are, due to its small size and complex anatomical structures, difficult to assess by MR, and surgical interventions such as diagnostic arthroscopy are often necessary. Therefore, improved visualization using non-invasive methods could be of clinical value. As a first step of improvement, the purpose of this study was to evaluate visualization of anatomical structures at 7T compared with 3T MR. Methods Eighteen healthy volunteers (three males and three females from each age decade between 20 and 49 years) were examined with 7T and 3T MR. Four musculoskeletal radiologists graded 2D and 3D images on a five-level grading scale for visibility of ligaments, cartilage, nerves, trabecular bone, and tendons, as well as overall image quality (i.e., edge sharpness, perceived tissue contrast, and presence of artefacts). Statistical analysis was done using a visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. Results Visibility of cartilage, trabecular bone, tendons, nerves, and ligaments was graded significantly higher at 7T with an area under the curve (AUC(VGC)) of 0.62-0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.97, p = < 0.0001-0.03) using either 2D or 3D imaging. Imaging with 3T was not graded as superior to 7T for any structure. Image quality was also significantly superior at 7T, except for artefacts, where no significant differences were found. Conclusions Tendons, trabecular bone, nerves, and ligaments were all significantly better visualized at 7T compared to 3T.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Radiologi och bildbehandling (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Carpal joints

Triangular fibrocartilage

Ligaments

Cartilage

articular

Area under curve

quantitative assessment

trabecular bone

array

coil

arthrography

echo

hand

3.0t

Radiology

Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging

Cartilage, articular

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)