Comparison of wideband steady-state free precession and T₂-weighted fast spin echo in spine disorder assessment at 1.5 and 3 T.

Wideband steady-state free precession (WB-SSFP) is a modification of balanced steady-state free precession utilizing alternating repetition times to reduce susceptibility-induced balanced steady-state free precession limitations, allowing its use for high-resolution myelographic-contrast spinal imaging. Intertissue contrast and spatial resolution of complete-spine-coverage 3D WB-SSFP were compared with those of 2D T₂-weighted fast spin echo, currently the standard for spine T₂-imaging. Six normal subjects were imaged at 1.