Qualitative and Quantitative Ultrashort Echo Time Imaging of Musculoskeletal Tissues

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2015 Sep;19(4):375-86. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1563733. Epub 2015 Nov 19.

Abstract

Ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences represent a group of clinically compatible techniques that are capable of using echo times < 1 ms. With these techniques, direct imaging of short T2/T2* tissues or tissue components can now be performed. Continuing modifications to the UTE techniques have allowed for faster and more robust sequences now comparable with conventional clinical sequences. UTE also allows for morphological imaging and quantitative evaluation in a manner not previously possible with conventional imaging sequences utilizing much longer echo times. Numerous potential clinical applications have emerged that are discussed in this review article.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / pathology*