90°-Flip-angle three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D-DESS) magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: Isovoxel cartilage imaging at 3 T

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether 3D-double echo steady state (3D-DESS) with improved contrast by setting the FA (Flip angle) at 90° is useful in 3D isotropic cartilage imaging of the knee at 3 T.Materials and methodsImaging was performed in 10 healthy volunteers using 3 methods: with 3D-DESS using FA of 25° and 90°, and with true fast imaging with steady-state precession (True-FISP). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the synovial fluid and cartilage, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured, and mean values were compared. Visual assessment of artifacts was performed with the cartilage divided into 6 regions.ResultsThere were no significant differences in synovial fluid SNR in the comparison between FA-90° 3D-DESS and True-FISP (P = 0.364). A significantly higher cartilage SNR was observed with FA-90° 3D-DESS than with True-FISP (P = 0.031). There were no significant differences in synovial fluid-cartilage CNR between FA-90° 3D-DESS and True-FISP (P = 0.892). In the evaluation of artifacts, FA-90° 3D-DESS imaging showed a significantly higher score than True-FISP imaging in the patella and trochlea cartilage (P < 0.001, P < 0.002).ConclusionsFA-90° 3D-DESS is useful in 3D isotropic cartilage imaging of the knee at 3 T.