High-resolution flat panel CT versus 3-T MR arthrography of the wrist: initial results in vivo

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of direct C-arm flat panel computed tomography arthrography (FPCT-A) with direct magnetic resonance arthrography (MR-A) of the wrist in patients with clinically suspected pathologies.MethodsForty-nine patients underwent tri-compartmental wrist arthrography. FPCT-A was acquired using a high-resolution acquisition mode, followed by a 3-T MR exam using a dedicated wrist coil. Image quality and artifacts of FPCT-A and MR-A were evaluated with regard to the depictability of anatomical structures. The time stamps for the different image acquisitions were recorded for workflow assessment.ResultsImage quality was rated significantly superior for all structures for FPCT-A (p<0.001) as compared to MR-A including intrinsic ligaments, TFCC, cartilage, subchondral bone, and trabeculae. The differences in image quality were highest for cartilage (2.0) and lowest for TFCC (0.9). The artifacts were rated lower in MR-A than in FPCT-A (p<0.001). The procedure was more time-efficient in FPCT-A than in MR-A.ConclusionsFPCT-A of the wrist provides superior image quality and optimized workflow as compared to MR-A. Therefore, FPCT-A should be considered in patients scheduled for dedicated imaging of the intrinsic structures of the wrist.Key Points center dot FPCT arthrography allows high-resolution imaging of the intrinsic wrist structures.center dot The image quality is superior as compared to MR arthrography.center dot The procedure is more time-efficient than MR arthrography.