Bi-parametric MRI of the Diaphragm Using Dynamic and Static Images: The Initial Experience

Abstract

Background: With recent technological advances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has offered new sequences that can evaluate the real-time motion of anatomic structures. This study aims to evaluate the interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic dysfunctions using bi-parametric MRI, in which dynamic sequences for diaphragm movement and static sequences for soft tissue resolution are used together to provide a visualization of the diaphragm.Methodology: Twenty-nine cases that underwent a bi-parametric magnetic resonance examination which includes coronal T2 single-shot turbo spin echo and the coronal SENSE single-shot balanced turbo field echo real-time sequences were retrospectively evaluated. The images of the patients were assessed by two independent observers. Cohen's kappa coefficient was calculated to evaluate the interobserver agreement.Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.86 ± 17.57, ranging from 18 to 80 years. The kappa value was calculated as 0.889, indicating a strong agreement between the interobservers. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that bi-parametric MRI is a promising tool in the evaluation of diaphragmatic abnormalities.