Dixon sequence

Principle and interpretation

In-phase and opposed-phase acquisitions enable water–fat separation through reconstruction. Modern variants can produce water-only and fat-only images.

Indications, limitations and precautions

It can improve bone-marrow assessment or fat suppression. Water–fat swaps and other artifacts remain possible; findings should be checked across the examination.

Points to consider

An investigation is selected to answer a specific question about bone, neural tissue, metabolic activity or vessels, for example. Techniques provide different information. Preparation and precautions vary by protocol; follow the imaging service’s instructions.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Fat suppression — MRI techniques that reduce fat signal to improve distinction of selected tissues or abnormalities.
• CT myelography — CT performed after suitable contrast is introduced into the subarachnoid space to assess the dural sac and neural structures.
• T2-star-weighted sequence — MRI sequence sensitive to dephasing from local magnetic-field variation, including effects from blood products or metal.

Medical references

1. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
2. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Spine MRI.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.