PURPOSE: To assess the detectability of the inner ear structures using both 3-dimensional (3D) balanced fast-field echo (bFFE) and 3D driven equilibrium (DRIVE) sequences in conjunction with parallel imaging and to compare the image quality of those sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were examined using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance unit. The 3D bFFE and the 3D DRIVE sequences were compared. The relative contrast between the cranial nerves and the cisternal space was calculated. The detectability of the cranial nerves and the cochlear and semicircular canals was graded on a 3-point scale (1, poor; 2, fair; 3, excellent). RESULT: The relative contrast for the cranial nerve in 3D bFFE and 3D DRIVE was 4.31 +/- 1.53 and 5.73 +/- 4.60, respectively. The 2.5 turns of the cochlea, spiral lamina, and all 3 semicircular canals were better visualized using the 3D DRIVE. CONCLUSION: The 3D DRIVE is superior to the 3D bFFE in evaluation of the structures of the inner ear.
PURPOSE: To assess the detectability of the inner ear structures using both 3-dimensional (3D) balanced fast-field echo (bFFE) and 3D driven equilibrium (DRIVE) sequences in conjunction with parallel imaging and to compare the image quality of those sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were examined using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance unit. The 3D bFFE and the 3D DRIVE sequences were compared. The relative contrast between the cranial nerves and the cisternal space was calculated. The detectability of the cranial nerves and the cochlear and semicircular canals was graded on a 3-point scale (1, poor; 2, fair; 3, excellent). RESULT: The relative contrast for the cranial nerve in 3D bFFE and 3D DRIVE was 4.31 +/- 1.53 and 5.73 +/- 4.60, respectively. The 2.5 turns of the cochlea, spiral lamina, and all 3 semicircular canals were better visualized using the 3D DRIVE. CONCLUSION: The 3D DRIVE is superior to the 3D bFFE in evaluation of the structures of the inner ear.
Authors: In Ho Lee; Hyung-Jin Kim; Won Ho Chung; Eunhee Kim; Jung Won Moon; Sung Tae Kim; Keon Ha Kim; Pyoung Jeon; Hong Sik Byun Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2009-11-07 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: Jun Soo Byun; Hyung Jin Kim; Yoo Jeong Yim; Sung Tae Kim; Pyoung Jeon; Keon Ha Kim; Sam Soo Kim; Yong Hwan Jeon; Jiwon Lee Journal: Korean J Radiol Date: 2008 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.500
Authors: Fernando Pochini Sobrinho; Paulo Roberto Lazarini; Hea Jung Yoo; Luiz de Abreu Júnior; Altino de Sá Meira Journal: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2009 Mar-Apr