Comparison of T1‐weighted in‐ and out‐of‐phase single shot magnetization‐prepared gradient‐recalled‐echo with three‐dimensional gradient‐recalled‐echo at 3.0 tesla: Preliminary observations in abdominal studies

Abstract

Purpose: To describe in-phase (IP)/out-of-phase (OP) imaging with single shot magnetization-prepared gradient-recalled-echo (MP-GRE) and to compare intra-individually IP/OP MP-GRE with IP/OP three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (3D-GRE) at 3.0 Tesla (T). Materials and Methods:Thirty-six subjects (15 males, 21 females; mean age 46.97 6 14.97) who had abdominal MRI examinations including precontrast T1-weighted IP/ OP MP-GRE, IP/OP 3D-GRE were included in the study. Two radiologists independently evaluated the sequences qualitatively for extent of artifacts, lesion detectability, and conspicuity and subjective grading of liver steatosis. Quantitative evaluation was performed by one radiologist and included liver fat index, liver and spleen SNR, and liver-lesion and liver-spleen CNR.Results: Respiratory ghosting was more pronounced on 3D-GRE (P < 0.0008). The degrees of parallel imaging residual artifacts, shading and blurring were significantly higher on the 3D-GRE sequences (P < 0.0008). Spatial misregistration and bounce point artifacts were only observed with MP-GRE images. Pixel graininess was more apparent on MP-GRE (P < 0.0008). Lesion detectability, confidence, and conspicuity were considerably higher on MP-GRE. Visual appreciation of steatosis was superior on 3D-GRE. Overall image quality was superior on MP-GRE (P < 0.0008). Conclusion:Higher image quality and improved lesion detectability were present with IP/OP MP-GRE technique. Inversion-recovery prepared techniques may represent an important evolution for precontrast T1-weighted image at 3.0T. The good image quality of MP-GRE sequences acquired in a free breathing manner should recommend its use in patients unable to suspend breathing.

New Imaging Strategies Using a Motion-Resistant Liver Sequence in Uncooperative Patients

“…Dual GE IP/OP imaging is performed as multiline GE acquisitions that require patients to suspend their respiration as the sequences are generally 10–20 seconds in duration. A new application of MP-RAGE IP/OP images is able to substitute standard dual GR IP/OP imaging with moderate image quality in the elderly, severely debilitated, and in young children (Figure 1) [5–7]. MP-RAGE operates as a slice-by-slice, single-shot technique used during free breathing.…”

“…They are seen at the interface between hepatic vessels and hepatic parenchyma. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, only MP-RAGE IP/OP sequence would be applicable for acquisition of chemical shift imaging in an usual clinical setting, when 2D-GRE is not feasible or might generate nondiagnostic images, such as in the case of uncooperative patients and pediatrics [5]. …”

A ressonância magnética na doença de crohn do intestino delgado

“…Similar to other imaging techniques, homogeneous opacification and adequate luminal distention of the small bowel is desirable since poorly distended loops can simulate disease 23 or hide pathologic processes especially in less experienced hands.…”