Resolution, SNR, Signal Averaging and Scan Time in MRI for Metastatic Lesion in Spine: A Case Report in a 74 Years Old Patient

Abstract

Background: MRI image quality is compromise between resolution, scan time, Signal Averaging (NSA/NEX.), SNR and Integrated parallel acquisition technique (SENSE). Any compromise in any of these parameters can lead to poor quality images that can lead to misdiagnosis. The higher the image resolution, the better the small pathologies can be diagnosed, thus it is the goal of imaging a good quality scan by using a standardized protocols.
Methods: The study was conducted in Department of Medical Imaging, Medcare International Hospital, Gujranwala, Pakistan, Gujranwala Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Radiotherapy (GINUM), Gujranwala, Pakistan.
Case Presentation: We present a case of 74 year old man with severe lower back pain. His initial MRI did not reveal any significant pathology; however a repeat MRI revealed metastatic involvement of the lumbar vertebrae.
Conclusion: Standardized MRI protocols have been developed after much study to optimize all the parameters. Any modification in the protocols to reduce image time is therefore hazardous. It is therefore imperative that they be followed in order to avoid generating suboptimal images.