CT-like images based on T1 spoiled gradient-echo and ultra-short echo time MRI sequences for the assessment of vertebral fractures and degenerative bone changes of the spine

• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07597-9
• Publication Date: 2021-01-14T15:23:43Z
• Authors: Benedikt J. Schwa...; Charlotte Schneider; Sophia Kronthaler; Florian T. Gassert; Christof Böhm; Daniela Pfeiffer; Thomas Baum; Jan S. Kirschke; Dimitrios C. Kara...; Marcus R. Makowski; Klaus Woertler; Markus Wurm; Alexandra S. Gersing
• Keywords: Neuroradiology; Gradient echo

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the performance of 3D T1w spoiled gradient-echo (T1SGRE) and ultra-short echo time (UTE) MRI sequences for detection assessment vertebral fractures degenerative bone changes compared with conventional CT. Methods Fractures ( n = 44) 60 spinal segments) were evaluated in 30 patients (65 ± 14 years, 18 women) on CT 3-T MRI, including CT-like images derived from T1SGRE UTE. Two radiologists morphological features both modalities: Genant AO/Magerl classifications, anterior/posterior height, fracture age; disc neuroforaminal diameter, grades spondylolisthesis, osteophytes, sclerosis, facet joint degeneration. Diagnostic accuracy agreement between assessed using crosstabs, weighted κ, intraclass correlation coefficients. Image quality was graded a Likert scale. Results For detection, sensitivity, specificity, 0.95, 0.98, 0.97 0.91, 0.96, 0.95 Agreement substantial to excellent (e.g., Genant: κ , 0.92 [95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.00]; AO/Magerl: 0.90 [0.76–1.00]; osteophytes: 0.91 [0.82–1.00]; sclerosis: 0.68 [0.48–0.88]; spondylolisthesis: ICCs, 0.99 [0.99–1.00]). UTE lower, ranging moderate 0.43 [0.26–0.60]) (spondylolisthesis: ICC, Inter-reader (0.52–1.00), respectively, all parameters. Median image rated significantly higher than that p < 0.001). Conclusions Morphologic pathologies spine feasible comparable CT, being more robust Key Points • Vertebral can be MR images, gradient-echo–based showing high diagnostic This could enable precisely assess morphology, may substitute additional examinations future. robustness are those structures.