Oliver Kraff1, 2, Stephan Orzada1, 2, Mark E. Ladd1, 2, Stefan Landgraeber3, Thomas C. Lauenstein2, Jens M. Theysohn2
1Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; 2Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
In this study, various gradient (MEDIC, DESS) and spin echo (PD, T2, T1, STIR) sequences of a typical, clinical examination protocol were compared to stage patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head at 7T. Five healthy volunteers and five patients with AVN were imaged at 7T and 3T. While for gradient echo images, overall image quality was comparable to 3T imaging, STIR images were impaired by variations in signal homogeneity and fat suppression.