Optimization of ARC In Sagittal T2 FSE Thoracolumbar MRI: Impact On Image Quality And Diagnostic Information In Clinical HNP

Abstract

MRI has a sensitivity and specificity of 96%–97%. The Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian Imaging (ARC) technique is an acceleration method that reduces acquisition time. Although ARC2 is commonly applied in clinical practice, other ARC variations are available. This study aimed to evaluate differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and diagnostic clarity among ARC settings and to determine the optimal configuration for thoracolumbar MRI. An experimental study was conducted on ten patients scanned using ARC 1, 1.5, and 2. SNR was measured using ROI, and diagnostic evaluation of intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, cerebrospinal fluid, and spinal cord was independently assessed by radiologists. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results showed significant SNR differences across ARC settings (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis indicated differences between ARC1 and ARC1.5 (p = 0.041) and between ARC1.5 and ARC2 (p = 0.002), but not between ARC1 and ARC2 (p = 0.861). Diagnostic clarity also different significantly (p < 0.001), with ARC1 providing the highest clarity (mean rank = 2.39). Wilcoxon confirmed significant differences between ARC1 and ARC1.5 (p < 0.001) and between ARC1.5 and ARC2 (p < 0.001), but not between ARC1 and ARC2 (p = 0.083). ARC1 offers the best balance of image quality and diagnostic clarity for thoracolumbar sagittal T2-weighted FSE MRI