Image of the Week: Accelerated Shoulder Imaging with Sub-Millimeter Resolution

This spotlight case presents a 3T shoulder MRI acquired on the MAGNETOM Skyra with syngo MR XA30 software. Using a dual-pad Inkspace Imaging MR coil configuration, this protocol highlights excellent soft tissue contrast and anatomical clarity—ideal for rotator cuff, labral, and cartilage evaluation in a 34-year-old subject.

Imaging Protocol Highlights:

• Pulse Sequence: TSE 2D – *tseB2d1rr13

• Voxel Size: 0.5 x 0.5 x 3.0 mm

• Matrix Size: 320 x 320 x 28

• Slice Spacing: 3.0 mm

• TR/TE: 4570 ms / 74 ms

• Flip Angle: 150°

• ETL: 13

• Percent Sampling: 100%

• Acceleration: GRAPPA (In-plane: 2.0, Out-of-plane: 1.0)

• Scan Time: 5 minutes, 10 seconds (310.7 s)

Why It Matters:

Combining GRAPPA acceleration with high in-plane resolution (0.5 mm) enables reduced scan time without compromising image quality. This makes it particularly effective for shoulder protocols in patients where motion is a concern—such as those with pain or limited range of motion.

Clinical Shoulder Tip:

For detailed rotator cuff and labral assessment, aim for ≤0.6 mm in-plane resolution and use parallel imaging techniques (GRAPPA/SENSE) to keep scan times efficient while maintaining diagnostic clarity.