Optimizing T1-Weighted MRI Image quality: A Comparative Study in two Acquisition protocols in Lumbar Spine Imaging

Objective: To assess the effect of different acquisition parameters on the quality of T1-weighted sagittal lumbar spine MRI images using manual measurements, automated quantitative analysis, and expert visual assessment. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 200 lumbar MRI scans performed with a 1.5T Siemens Avanto. Two T1-Weighted imaging protocols that differed in TR, matrix size, slice thickness, FOV read, and number of slices. Objective image quality metrics, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), edge strength, Laplacian variance, and entropy, were obtained. using manual measurement for ROIs, and automatic measurement using image processing (Python). Statistical comparisons were conducted using SPSS with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The second protocol (shorter TR, larger voxel size, lower spatial resolution) had a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). On the other hand, a better edge strength was obtained with the first Protocol (longer TR, higher resolution, smaller voxels); however, Laplacian variance and entropy showed no statistical difference. Visual assessment by a radiologist preferred the first protocol for tissue contrast, though both protocols were clinically acceptable. Conclusion An optimal MRI acquisition parameter, particularly TR, spatial resolution, and voxel size, improves the quality of T1-weighted images in the lumbar spine. These results may encourage optimization of protocols to balance image quality and scan efficiency.