Objectives:To compare radial volumetric imaging breath-hold examination with k-space weighted image contrast reconstruction (r-VIBE-KWIC) to Cartesian VIBE (c-VIBE) in arterial phase dynamic gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) of the liver. Methods:We reviewed 53 consecutive DCE-MRI studies performed on a 3-T unit using c-VIBE and 53 consecutive cases performed using r-VIBE-KWIC with full-frame image subset (r-VIBEfull) and sub-frame image subsets (r-VIBEsub; temporal resolution, 2.5-3 s). All arterial phase images were scored by two readers on: (1) contrast-enhancement ratio (CER) in the abdominal aorta; (2) scan timing; (3) artefacts; and (4) visualisation of the common, right, and left hepatic arteries. Results:Mean abdominal aortic CERs for c-VIBE, r-VIBEfull, and r-VIBEsub were 3.2, 4.3, and 6.5, respectively. There were significant differences between each group (P < 0.0001).The mean score for c-VIBE was significantly lower than that for r-VIBEfull and rVIBEsub in all factors except for visualisation of the common hepatic artery (P < 0.05).The mean score of all factors except for scan timing for r-VIBEsub was not significantly different from that for r-VIBEfull. Conclusion:r-VIBE-KWIC provides higher image quality than c-VIBE, and r-VIBEsub features high temporal resolution without image degradation in arterial phase DCE-MRI. ・Using r-VIBE-KWIC, optimal arterial phase images were obtained in over 90%.・Using r-VIBE-KWIC, visualisation of the hepatic arteries was improved. ・A two-reader study revealed r-VIBE-KWIC's advantages over Cartesian VIBE.Abbreviations VIBE, volumetric imaging breath-hold examination; KWIC, k-space weighted image contrast reconstruction; DCE-MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; CER, contrast-enhancement ratio

Despite the effect of motion artifacts, RESOLVE provides a comparable detectability of the lesion and the advantage of reducing scanning time compared with SS-EPI.

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