Meniscal tears: comparison of half-Fourier technique and conventional MR imaging

• Published in: European journal of radiology 2003-07, Vol.47 (1), p.10-15
• Main Authors: Shabana, Wael, De Maeseneer, Michel, Machiels, Freddy, De Ridder, Filip, Osteaux, Michel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Child; False Positive Reactions; Female; Fourier Analysis; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Menisci, Tibial - diagnostic imaging; Middle Aged; MR imaging, knee; MR imaging, menisci; MR imaging, physics; Observer Variation; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Rupture - diagnosis; Rupture - epidemiology; Tibial Meniscus Injuries; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0720-048X; 1872-7727
• DOI: 10.1016/S0720-048X(02)00107-9

Purpose: To determine whether half-Fourier MR image acquisition technique can provide similar information to that of conventional MR acquisition technique for evaluation of meniscal tears. Materials and methods: We studied 101 menisci in 52 patients who were referred for evaluation of meniscal tears. Sagittal MR images of the knee were obtained for all patients by using proton density and T2-weighted SE sequences on a 1-T clinical system. The half-Fourier technique and conventional technique were used for all patients. All other imaging parameters were identical for both sequences (TR/TE=2400/20,70; 3 mm slice thickness; 200×256 matrix; field of view, 200; one signal acquired). Both sets of images were filmed with standard window and level settings. Images were randomised and interpreted independently by two radiologists for the presence of meniscal tears. Images were also subjectively assessed for image quality using a five-point grading scale. Results: On half-Fourier images, Reader 1 interpreted 23 menisci as torn, compared to 28 for Reader 2. On conventional images, Reader 1 interpreted 24 menisci as torn, compared to 26 for Reader 2. Agreement between interpretation of the conventional and that of the half-Fourier images was 99% for Reader 1, and 98% for Reader 2. Agreement between readers for the half-Fourier images was 95%, and for the conventional images 96%. No statistically significant difference was found in the subjective evaluation of image quality between the conventional and half-Fourier images. Conclusion: The half-Fourier acquisition technique compares favourably with the conventional technique for the evaluation of meniscal tears.