Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- library:thoracolumbar_spine [2025/03/11 18:43] – [Tips and Tricks] scott
+++ library:thoracolumbar_spine [2025/04/30 01:28] (current) – [Typical Scan Protocol] scott
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 ====Typical Scan Protocol====
-The protocol below represents a full thoracolumbar exam. There is a lot of variation depending on the clinical question and clinician preference. The **minimum** recommended sequences depend on pathology, so no sequences are in bold.
+The protocol below represents a full thoracolumbar exam. There is a lot of variation depending on the clinical question and clinician preference. The **minimum** recommended sequences depend on pathology, so no sequences are in bold. **It is highly recommended to include at least 1 sequence, either T2 or STIR, in the dorsal plane and at least 1 sequence with fat saturation post contrast**
 Sagittal T2 Lumbar\\
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 {{:library:3dmyeloprofile.png?600|}}  {{:library:2dhastemyeloprofile.png?600|}}
+==T2* Weighting==
+{{:library:mergespineprofile.png?600|}}
+==T2 Weighting==
+Most modern scanners will have an option for a Driven Equilibrium pulse sequence that incorporates and additional -90 degree pulse to 'flip back' the transverse magnetization along the Z axis. This has the effect of speeding up longitudinal recovery even for very long T1 tissues like CSF, meaning that it isn't necessary to have very long TR's. When performing a T2 weighted sequence with this modification, TR can be as low as 1500ms in some cases, while maintaining high signal from CSF. On a GE scanner this option is known as **Fast Recovery FSE (FR-FSE)** and can be found in most GE spine protocols. On a Siemens scanner, this is known as **Restore**, and may be a check box on the contrast tab, or may be found in Siemens spine protocols. These options can shorten scan time, especially when only a few slices are needed, as is the case with sagittal spine imaging.