High-resolution visualization of cervical spine anatomy using 3D DESS at 7-T MRI: a cohort study in asymptomatic volunteers

Objective To validate the feasibility of a three-dimensional dual-echo-steady-state (3D-DESS) sequence at 7-T MRI to reliably depict the detailed anatomy in the cervical spine. Materials and methods Seventy-eight asymptomatic volunteers (age 36.4 ± 11.6 years) were imaged, using a 3D-DESS sequence at 7-T MRI. The course of the vertebral artery (VA) and the visualization of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were analyzed by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Additionally, degenerative changes were graded. Results Uncovertebral arthrosis was present in 47.4% of participants; spinal canal stenosis was present in 16.1% (grade 1) and 2.6% (grade 2). Facet joint osteoarthritis at the most affected level was found in up to 12.8% (grade 1) and 3.8% (grade 2). Foraminal stenosis at the most affected level was seen in 10.3% (grade 1) and 3.8% (grade 2). Agreement was “almost perfect” for uncovertebral arthrosis ( κ = 0.94) and spinal canal stenosis ( κ = 0.82), “moderate” for facet joint osteoarthritis ( κ = 0.56) and “substantial” for foraminal stenosis ( κ = 0.68). Agreement was “perfect” regarding location of the VA ( κ = 1.0), and almost perfect ( κ = 0.93) for VA kinking. The agreement was “excellent” for distance between spinal cord and DRG (ICC = 0.94) and “good” for both width and height of DRG (ICC = 0.90 and 0.87, respectively). Contact between VA and DRG was present in almost all participants in levels C2/3 through C5/6 (94.9–100%). Conclusion This study demonstrates the capability of a 3D-DESS sequence at 7-T MRI to reliably visualize the detailed anatomy of the cervical spine. Contact between VA and DRG is a relatively consistent finding in levels C2/3 through C5/6.