Image of the Week: High-Resolution Hand MRI with GRAPPA Acceleration

This featured case presents a 3T MRI of the hand performed on the MAGNETOM Skyra with syngo MR XA30 software in a 24-year-old subjectpatient. Utilizing the Silhouette MR coil, the protocol delivers exceptional visualization of fine musculoskeletal structures, enabling confident diagnosis in trauma, arthritis, or tendon-related cases.

Imaging Protocol Highlights:

• Pulse Sequence: TSE 2D – *tse2d1rr7

• Voxel Size: 0.5 x 0.5 x 2.0 mm

• Matrix Size: 320 x 320 x 25

• Slice Spacing: 2.2 mm

• TR/TE: 4000 ms / 39 ms

• Flip Angle: 150°

• ETL: 7

• Percent Sampling: 80%

• Acceleration Method: GRAPPA

  • In-Plane Factor: 2.0

  • Out-of-Plane Factor: 1.0

• Acquisition Time: 3 min 12 sec (191.9 s)

Why It Matters:

This protocol balances sub-millimeter in-plane detail with a rapid acquisition time, ideal for patients with limited ability or those in acute pain. Fine spatial resolution allows precise evaluation of tendons, ligaments, small joints, and cartilage, especially in early inflammatory or post-traumatic conditions.

Clinical Hand Tip:

For high-resolution hand imaging, use a voxel size ≤0.5 mm in-plane and limit echo train lengths to reduce blurring in curved anatomical regions like the fingers and carpal arch.