Applications of Zero Echo-Time MRI in Musculoskeletal and Neurological Diagnosis

Abstract

Zero echo-time (ZTE) MRI is a new imaging technique that uses ultrafast readings to capture signals from short T2 tissues. Additional advantages of the pulse sequence include fast acquisition times, silent scanning, and artifact resistance. A powerful application of this technology is imaging the cortical bone without the use of ionizing radiation, thus presenting a viable alternative to CT for rapid screening and “one-stop” MRI. ZTE is increasingly used in musculoskeletal imaging, neuroimaging applications. In this article, we review the imaging physics of ZTE including pulse sequence options, practical limitations, and image reconstruction., image optimization including acquisition, processing, segmentation, synthetic CT generation, and artifact correction. We also introduce clinical applications of ZTE such as imaging related to malformations, trauma, tumors, and interventional procedures,...