Comparison of Fat Suppression Sequences T2 Weighted Two-Point Dixon and Short-Tau Inversion Recovery in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Spine: An Observational Study.

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate various clinical conditions. Different fat suppression techniques such as Short Tau Inversion Recovery and Dixon are employed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The choice of fat suppression sequence varies based on availability and performance. This study aimed to compare Contrast Ratio and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio of Short Tau Inversion Recovery and Dixon technique.

Methods: This observational cross-section study was performed in the Department of Radiology from 8 September 2023 to 7 September 2024 after the approval by the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 151/080/081(6-11)E2). Using a complete census method during the study period, MRI-lumbar spines of 384 adult patients were included in the study. Signal intensity values of the lesion, adjacent normal tissue, and noise were recorded for calculation of Contrast Ratio and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio.

Results: Among 384 cases, 191 (49.74%) were male and 193 (50.26%) were female with median age 46 (IQR: 35-60) years. The median value of contrast ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were 0.31 (IQR: 0.14-0.50) and 8.74 (IQR: 3.82-15.50) respectively for STIR sequence while median value of contrast ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were 0.44 (IQR: 0.19-0.74) and 11.95 (IQR: 5.38-23.18) respectively for Dixon sequence, higher than Short Tau Inversion Recovery.

Conclusions: Contrast Ratio and Contrast to Noise Ratio were found higher and background noise lower for Dixon compared to Short Tau Inversion Recovery.