Turbo-spinecho (TSE) sequence is a method currently used for routine T2WI examination in the brain. Current T2-weighted imaging takes more than three minutes to acquire, for which the ultrafast transition into driven equilibrium (TIDE) technique may be potentially helpful. This study evaluates qualitatively and quantitatively the imaging quality of TIDE as compared to TSE and TGSE on T2-weighted MR images.

Thirty healthy volunteers were examined with T2-weighted images using TIDE, TSE, and TGSE sequences. Imaging quality was evaluated qualitatively by two independent observers based on a four-point rating scale regarding contrast characteristics and artifact behaviors. Image SNR and CNR were quantitatively assessed.

TIDE provided T2-wighted contrast similar to that in TSE and TGSE with only one-eighth of scan time. TIDE showed inferior gray-white matter differentiation and iron-load sensitivity to TSE and TGSE, but with improved motion artifact reduction on qualitative scores. Non-motion ghosting artifact was uniquely found in TIDE images. The SNRs of gray matter (head of caudate nucleus, putamen, thalamus, and globus pallidus) and white matter (centrum semiovale, corona radiata, anterior periventricular white matter, and posterior periventricular white matter) and the CNRs between gray matter (thalumus...

•TIDE provides T2-weighted images with reduced scan times and reduced motion artifacts as compared to TSE and TGSE at the tradeoff of reduced SNR and poorer gray-white matter differentiation.

1. Patel MR, Klufas RA, Shapiro AW. MR imaging of diseases of the brain: comparison of GRASE and conventional spin-echo T2-weighted pulse sequences. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1995;165:963-966 2. Hennig J, Nauerth A, Friedburg H. RARE imaging: a fast imaging method for clinical MR. Magn Reson Med 1986;3:823-833 3. Chung HW, Chen CY, Zimmerman RA, et al. T2-Weighted fast MR imaging with true FISP versus HASTE: comparative efficacy in the evaluation of normal fetal brain maturation. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000;175:1375-1380