The effect of varying echo time using T2-weighted FSE sequences on the magic angle effect in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses.
Abstract: Eight skeletally mature equine cadaver distal forelimbs were imaged using T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences in a 1.0 T horizontal bore magnet. Each limb was parallel to the main magnetic field and with 16° angulation of the limb relative to the main magnetic field, which places one of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint at or near the magic angle. Each limb was imaged using an echo time (TE) of 80, 100, 120, and 140 ms. Reversal of the magic angle effect was achieved at echo time of 140 ms. However, given the alterations in tissue contrast and subjective decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio at this TE, it may be preferable to use a shorter TE for clinical imaging. A T2-weighted FSE sequence with an echo time of 120 ms maintained image quality while subjectively minimizing the magic angle effect. A sequence with long TE can be used to aid in the differentiation of pathologic change from artifactual increases in signal intensity in collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint, but could decrease the sensitivity for small or low contrast lesions. Multiple factors should be considered when selecting the TE for a T2-weighted FSE sequence that will be utilized in a musculoskeletal protocol including evaluation of equine feet.
© 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.
Publication Date: 2012-08-16 PubMed ID: 22897415DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2012.01968.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Cadaver Study
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Distal Interphalangeal Joint
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Horses
- Imaging Techniques
- Ligaments
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Musculoskeletal System
- Physiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The research investigates the impact of different echo times in T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences on the magic angle effect in horse’s distal interphalangeal joint collateral ligaments. The researchers found that an echo time of 140ms reversed the magic angle effect, although with diminished image quality and signal-to-noise ratio. However, an echo time of 120ms managed to balance image quality while reducing the magic angle effect.
Study Methodology
- The researchers acquired eight mature equine cadaver distal forelimbs for the study.
- The forelimbs were imaged using T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences in a 1.0 T horizontal bore magnet. This scanning technique is often used to produce detailed images of internal structures.
- To simulate the magic angle effect, each limb was positioned parallel to the main magnetic field with a 16° angulation. This positioning made one of the collateral ligaments of the joint align with or near the magic angle.
- Each limb was imaged using a series of different echo times (TE): 80ms, 100ms, 120ms, and 140ms.
Results and Findings
- The study found that a reversal of the magic angle effect was seen at an echo time of 140ms.
- However, the increased echo time led to changes in tissue contrast and a subjective decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. These changes could impact the overall image quality.
- The use of a shorter echo time was recommended for better clinical imaging. Specifically, an echo time of 120ms was found to strike a balance between maintaining image quality and minimizing the magic angle effect.
- The study acknowledges that a lengthy echo time could assist in distinguishing between pathological alterations and artifactual increases in signal intensity, but it may also decrease the sensitivity for small or low contrast lesions.
Implications
- The findings from the study suggest that different parameters need to be considered when selecting the echo time for a T2-weighted FSE sequence, especially in the context of a musculoskeletal evaluation of equine feet.
- These results may aid in further improvement of diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine, especially related to equine orthopedic conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Werpy NM, Ho CP, Garcia EB, Kawcak CE.
(2012).
The effect of varying echo time using T2-weighted FSE sequences on the magic angle effect in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 54(1), 31-35.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2012.01968.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. werpyn@ufl.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Collateral Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Collateral Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Echo-Planar Imaging / methods
- Echo-Planar Imaging / veterinary
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Radiography
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio
- Toe Joint / anatomy & histology
- Toe Joint / diagnostic imaging
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Li Y, Wu H, Ji B, Qian W, Xia S, Wang L, Xu Y, Chen J, Yang L, Mao H. Targeted Imaging of CD206 Expressing Tumor-Associated M2-like Macrophages Using Mannose-Conjugated Antibiofouling Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2020 Jul 20;3(7):4335-4347.
- Richardson ML, Amini B, Richards TL. Some new angles on the magic angle: what MSK radiologists know and don't know about this phenomenon.. Skeletal Radiol 2018 Dec;47(12):1673-1681.
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