Value of zero echo time imaging and CT for demonstrating bone destruction in bone tumors and tumor-like lesions

Objective: To compare the image quality of zero echo-time magnetic resonance imaging (ZTE-MRI) with computed tomography (CT) for demonstrating bone destruction in bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. Methods: 36 patients (18 male, mean age: 35 ± 20 years; ¹⁸Female, mean age: 42 ± 20 years) underwent ZTE-MRI using a 750 W MR scanner (GE Medical System) with concomitant CT. Image quality of bone destruction was compared between ZTE and CT using a 5-point grading scale. Results: The image quality between ZTE (4.47 ± 0.76) and CT (4.97 ± 0.16) was not significantly different (Z = -1.83, P = 0.067) in 13 types of bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. The inter-observer agreement was good (k = 1, k = 0.84) in assessing bone destruction between ZTE and CT. Conclusion: Image quality of ZTE-MRI is similar to CT for demonstrating bone destruction in bone tumors and tumor-like lesions. (authors)