Feasibility of 3D-MENSA sequence for qualitative assessment of lumbosacral plexus nerve root in comparison with 3D-MERGE MRI

Lumbar radiculopathy is a worldwide cause of disability. Mechanical compression of nerve root may lead to nerve inflammatory changes. Peripheral blood vessels overlapping with inflammatory changes can make radiologists confused and result misdiagnosis. To differ lesions from vessels in lumbosacral plexus nerve imaging, three-dimensional motion-sensitized driven equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (3D-MERGE) and three-dimensional multiecho in the steady-state acquisition (3D-MENSA) were investigated. Our study showed 3D-MENSA images showed greater nerve-to-vein CNR and CR than 3D-MERGE and the measurement repeatability of the same observer was good. Overall, 3D-MENSA sequence provided images with superior vascular suppression and offered better conspicuity of LSP.