Comparative study of 3D-FIESTA and FRFSE T2WI sequences in MRI efficacy of posterior fossa cranial nerves
WANG Hao-chu1, XU Shun-liang1, FAN Shu-feng2
1. Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou 310003, China;2. Department of Radiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai Zhejiang 317000, China
Abstract：Objective: To compare 3D fast imaging with steady state acquisition(3D-FIESTA) to fast recovery fast spin echo T2WI(FRFSE T2WI) sequences in the imaging of cisternal parts of cranial nerves V~XII. Methods: MRI in 3D-FIESTA MPR and FRFSE T2WI sequences of 40 patients were evaluated retrospectively. 320 pairs of nerves were evaluated. Two radiologists, working independently, divided the imaging findings into 3 grades: 0(not visualized), 1(partially visualized), and 2(completely visualized). Results: The rate of visualization of these cranial nerves with 3D-FIESTA and FRFSE T2WI sequences were as follows(partially and completely visualized): nerve V(100% and 100%); nerve VI(98.75% and 42.0%); nerve VII(100% and 100%); nerve VIII(100% and 100%); nerve IX~XI complex(100% and 74%); nerve XII(95.0% and 3.75%). Conclusion: 3D-FIESTA sequence is superior to FRFSE T2WI sequence in the imaging of cisternal parts of the posterior fossa nerves. 3D-FIESTA sequences can be used for obtaining high-resolution MR cisternography images.
2008, Vol. 19 
