Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of 3D VISTA for meniscal tears

Standard clinical MRI of the knee relies on fat saturated two-dimensional PD or T2 weighted fast spin echo sequences especially for meniscal evaluations. Diagnostic performance of these sequences is proven with so many studies. Three-dimensional fast spin echo sequences with isotropic resolution have recently been developed by several MRI vendors. High quality multi-planar reformat images can be created with these sequence, thus these sequences can be performed in one sequence. The diagnostic performance of 3D VISTA sequence, which is 3D volume isotropic FSE sequence, was evaluated with this study. 66 MRI images of 65 patients were evaluated retrospectively by one reader. The patients had undergone both MRI of the knee and subsequent arthroscopic surgery between September 2014 and November 2015. The diagnostic performances of 3D VISTA and 2D FS PD sequences for the diagnosis of meniscal tears were compared with ROC and Cramer Rou values. The menisci of the knee were evaluated in four parts as anterior of the medial meniscus, posterior of the medial meniscus, anterior of the lateral meniscus and posterior of the lateral meniscus. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of both MRI sequences were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values of the 3D VISTA for the diagnosis of all meniscal tears are %88.2, %94.5, %92.8 respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values of the 2D FS PD %85.5, %97.5, %93.6 respectively. The AUC values (area under ROC) of 3D VISTA and 2D FS PD are 0.916 and 0.912 respectively. The Cramer Rou values of 3D VISTA and 2D FS PD are 0.814 and 0.849 respectively. In conclusion, diagnostic performance of 3D VISTA for meniscal tears is high and similar to 2D FS PD.