Comparison of two-dimensional fast spin echo T 2 weighted sequences and three-dimensional volume isotropic T 2 weighted fast spin echo (VISTA) MRI in the evaluation of triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist.

OBJECTIVE: To compare image quality of three-dimensional volume isotropic T2 weighted fast spin echo (3D VISTA) and two-dimensional (2D) T2 weighted images (T2WI) for evaluation of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) and to investigate whether 3D VISTA can replace 2D T2 WI in evaluating TFC injury.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 69 patients who received wrist MRIs using both 2D T2 WI and 3D VISTA techniques for assessment of wrist pathology, including TFC injury. Two radiologists measured the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the two sequences. The anatomical identification score and diagnostic performance were independently assessed by two interpreters. The diagnostic abilities of 3D VISTA and 2D T2 WI were analysed by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for diagnosing TFC injury using surgically or clinically confirmed diagnostic reference standards.

RESULTS: 17 cases (25%) were classified as having TFC injury. 2 cases (12%) were diagnosed surgically, and 15 cases (88%) were diagnosed by physical examination. 52 cases (75%) were diagnosed as having intact TFC. 8 of these cases (15%) were surgically confirmed, while the others were diagnosed by physical examination and clinical findings. The 3D VISTA images had significantly higher SNR and CNR values for the TFC than 2D T2 WI images. The scores of 3D VISTA's total length, full width and sharpness were similar to those of 2D T2 WI. We were unable to find a significant difference between 3D VISTA and 2D T2 WI in the ability to diagnose TFC injury.

CONCLUSION: 3D VISTA image quality is similar to that of 2D T2 WI for TFC evaluation and is also excellent for tissue contrast. 3D VISTA can replace 2D images in TFC injury assessment. Advances in knowledge: 3D VISTA image quality is similar to that of 2D T2 WI for TFC evaluation and is also excellent for tissue contrast. 3D VISTA can replace 2D images in TFC injury assessment.