Lumbar magnetic resonance myelography using a three-dimensional half-Fourier single-shot fast spin echo sequence

Purpose: To assess the value of lumbar magnetic resonance (MR) myelography performed using a three-dimensional (3D) half-Fourier single-shot fast spin echo (fast advanced spin echo; FastASE) sequence that provides heavily T2-weighted images. Methods: 3D FastASE MR myelography was performed on a 0.5 T unit in 54, patients with lumbar spinal lesions, Both maximum intensity pixel projection (MIP) images and coronal source images were assessed and compared with conventional MR images using a four-point (0-3) grading scale. Results: The average scores for assessment of image quality and comparison with findings on conventional MR images were 2.3 and 2.9, respectively. The MIP images tended to depict clearly the thecal sac and nerve root sheaths, while the source images were superior to the MIP images for demonstration of the nerve roots. Conclusion: The 3D FastASE sequence provides lumbar MR myelograms of a quality that is sufficiently good to supplement conventional MR images.