MRI of the regions of inner ear and cerebellopontine angle using a 3D T-2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence: Comparison with conventional 2D T-2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences and T-1-weighted spin-echo sequences.

Purpose: To assess the value of a three-dimensional (3D) T-2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (3D T-2-TSE) in comparison to conventional two-dimensional (2D) T-2-weigthed TSE and unenhanced and enhanced T-1-weighted spin-echo sequences (SE) in imaging anatomic structures and pathologic changes of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle. Patients and methods: The inner ear and cerebellopontine angle were investigated by MRI in three healthy volunteers and 18 patients performing a 2D T-2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence and a 3D T-2-TSE in the axial plane. In the patient study, 2D T-1-weighted SE sequences both before and after the i.v. injection of gadopentate dimeglumine in both the axial and coronal plane were performed in addition. Results: Only the 3D T-2-TSE enabled an accurate imaging of the anatomic structures. In cases of pathology, the 3D T-2-TSE provided additional information to the performed 2D sequences. The combination of the 3D T-2-TSE with unenhanced and enhanced 2D T-1-weighted SE enabled the most accurate diagnosis in cases of pathology. Conclusions: Accurate depiction of anatomic structures of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle could be obtained by 3D T-2-TSE only. The most accurate diagnosis in cases of pathology was provided by the combination of the 3D T-2-TSE with unenhanced and enhanced 2D T-1-weighted spin-echo sequences.