MR of the head and neck: comparison of fast spin-echo and conventional spin-echo sequences

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1994 Apr;15(4):767-73.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare conspicuousness of head and neck lesions on fast spin-echo sequences and conventional spin-echo sequences.

Methods: Forty consecutive patients with 61 head and neck lesions were evaluated. Lesion conspicuousness was qualitatively compared on conventional spin-echo and fast spin-echo sequences, using both spin-density and T2-weighted images. Thirty-six lesions had surgical or pathologic confirmation, and 25 were assigned a presumptive diagnosis based on clinical evaluation and imaging findings seen on conventional spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Forty lesions were related to neoplasms; 21 lesions consisted of infectious, vascular, or inflammatory abnormalities.

Results: Fast spin-echo sequences provided improved lesion conspicuousness in 91% of spin-density images, in 77% of T2-weighted images, and in 84% of the combined spin-density and T2-weighted images.

Conclusion: By providing shorter imaging times and equal or superior lesion conspicuousness, long-repetition-time fast spin-echo sequences can replace long-repetition-time conventional spin-echo sequences in evaluation of the head and neck.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Head / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / pathology
  • Neck / pathology*
  • Parotid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Parotid Neoplasms / diagnosis