Recommended MR imaging sequences and parameters for the assessment of children with suspected DMSSC
| Sequence | Plane | Imaging Parameters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential sequences | |||
| 3 plane scout/localizer | Axial, sagittal, coronal | For subsequent planning | |
| T1-weighted TSE whole spine | Sagittal | 3.0 mm thickness (TR, 600 ms, TE, 30 ms) | — |
| T2-weighted TSE whole spine | Sagittal | 3.0 mm thickness (TR, 3000 ms, TE, 120 ms) | — |
| T2-weighted FS, Dixon, or STIR | Coronal | 3.0 mm thickness (TR, 3000 ms, TE, 40 ms) | FS preferred over STIR; whole spine |
| T1-weighted TSE | Axial | ≤3.0 mm thickness | Lumbosacral region (conus and filum terminale) and the suspected area of abnormality (group of axial images through the disc level not applied) |
| T2-weighted DRIVE, CISS, or FIESTA | Sagittal | 0.6 mm thickness | Sagittal acquisition centered on the area of suspected abnormality with 3D reconstructions |
| Optional sequences | |||
| T2-weighted TSE | Axial | 3.0 mm thickness, non-fat-suppressed | Suspected area of abnormality (group of axial images through the disc level not applied) |
| T1-weighted TSE | Coronal | 3.0 mm thickness | Centered onto and along the major axis of the sacrum (for suspected sacral abnormalities) |
| T1-weighted FS | Sagittal | 3.0 mm thickness | Confirmation of lipoma |
| T1-weighted FS C+ | Axial, sagittal, coronal | 3.0 mm thickness | Suspected infections/tumors |
| DWI | Axial or sagittal | 3.0–4.0 mm thickness | Suspected dysontogenic abnormalities, epidermoids, dermoids, abscesses |
| T2-weighted GRE or EPI-GRE | Axial | 3.0 mm thickness | Evaluation of bony septum in diastematomyelia |
| T1-weighted TSE C+ | Axial, sagittal, coronal | 3.0 mm thickness | Suspected mass lesions, dysontogenic abnormalities, or infections |
Note:—DRIVE indicates driven equilibrium; C+ = postcontrast.