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Abstract #0423

MR Imaging After Spinal Fusion using Slice Encoding For Metal Artifact Correction (SEMAC)

Kathryn Jane Stevens1, Pauline W. Worters1, Garry Evan Gold1, Jarrett K. Rosenberg1, Brian A. Hargreaves1

1Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA


MRI of the lumbar spine is often of limited value in patients after instrumented spinal fusion due to the extensive associated metal artifact. Slice Encoding for Metal Artifact Correction (SEMAC) is an MRI technique that corrects for spatial distortions by performing extra slice encoding and using view-angle tilting. MRI in 8 patients with previous spinal fusions demonstrated significantly decreased in-plane and through-plane artifact on SEMAC images compared to 2D FSE. This allowed improved visualization of the spinal canal, spinal nerve roots and neural foramina, which we hope will translate to improved diagnostic capabilities in patients with failed back surgery syndrome.