Three-dimensional fast field echo MR myelography using water excitation.

The purpose of this study is to determine if 3D FFE MRM using WE provides better image quality in comparison with that using SPIR. Twenty subjects were referred for the MRM images using SPIR, and WE with different TR. SNR and CNR were measured in the ganglions and adjacent tissues, in addition, the uniformity of the fat tissues was scored on a three-point scale by two radiologists with consensus. The WE sequence showed the higher SNR and CNR values than that using SPIR, in addition, the WE technique was helpful to achieve the shorter acquisition time of MRM.