MEDIC/MERGE/M-FFE MRI
Multiple Echo Data Image Combination (MEDIC) is a T2*-weighted spoiled gradient echo sequence. Multiple echoes acquired in one measurement are combined into an image. This sequence uses flow compensation unipolar frequency encoding gradients that remove CSF flow artifacts. MEDIC sequences produce a predominantly T2-weighted image.
MRI image appearance in MEDIC
The simplest method for identifying MEDIC images involves observing fluid-filled spaces within the body, such as cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles and spinal canal, synovial fluid in joints, or pathological fluid accumulations. On MEDIC images, fluids typically exhibit a bright appearance, while muscles and fat generally appear as shades of gray.
Tissues and their MEDIC appearance
Bone marrow – dark
Muscles – bright gray
Fat – gray (darker than muscle)
Moving blood– bright
Spinal cord – gray
Cartilage – bright
Fluids – bright
Bone – dark
Air – dark
Use
- Very useful for cervical spine imaging
- Very useful for cartilage imaging
- Useful for musculoskeletal imaging
- Very useful joints imaging
AXIAL MEDIC SEQUENCE USED IN C SPINE IMAGING
AXIAL MEDIC SEQUENCE USED IN WRIST IMAGING
SAGITTAL MEDIC SEQUENCE USED IN KNEE IMAGING
AXIAL MEDIC SEQUENCE USED IN ELBOW IMAGING
CORONAL MEDIC SEQUENCE USED IN SHOULDER
