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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced 3D-turbo spin-echo (TSE) black-blood sequence has gained attention, as it suppresses signals from vessels and provides an increased contrast-noise ratio. The purpose was to investigate which among the contrast-enhanced 3D T1 TSE, 3D T1 fast-spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR), and 3D T2 FLAIR sequences can better detect cranial nerve contrast enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients with cranial neuritis based on clinical findings (n ¼ 20) and control participants (n ¼ 20) were retrospectively included in this study. All patients underwent 3T MR imaging with contrast-enhanced 3D T1 TSE, 3D T1 FSPGR, and 3D T2 FLAIR. Experienced and inexperienced reviewers independently evaluated the 3 sequences to compare their diagnostic performance and time required to reach the diagnosis. Additionally, tube phantoms containing varying concentrations of gadobutrol solution were scanned using the 3 sequences.

Purpose To compare small bowel distension and side effects between a diluted polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution and a low-density (0.1% w/v) barium sulfate suspension (LDBSS) for CT enterography (CTE) preparation. Materials and Methods Total 173 consecutive patients who underwent CTE were enrolled in this study. The LDBSS (1 L) was used in 50 patients, and the diluted iso-osmotic PEG solution (1 L) was used in 123 patients. Two blinded radiologists independently scored jejunal and ileal distensions on a 5-point scale. To compare side effects between the two groups, the patients reported whether they had immediate complications after the administration of the oral contrast media. Results For ileal and jejunal distension, the diluted PEG solution showed no difference from the LDBSS for either reader (ileum: reader 1, median, 4; 4, interquartile range, 3–4; 3–4, p = 0.997; reader 2, median, 4; 4, interquartile range, 3.3–4.0; 3–4, p = 0.064; jejunum: reader 1, median, 2; 2, interquartile range, 2–3; 2–3, p = 0.560; reader 2, median, 3; 2, interquartile range, 2–3; 2–3, p = 0.192). None of the patients complained of immediate complications following administration of either of the oral contrast media. Conclusion The diluted PEG solution showed comparable bowel distension compared to LDBSS and no immediate side effects; thus, it can be a useful alternative.

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