[Phased-array superficial coil and breath holding technique in MRI of the liver. Comparison of conventional spin echo sequences with rapid fat suppressing gradient echo and turbo-spin sequences].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of fast MRI techniques using a tailored imaging design (breathhold and array-surface coil), conventional T1-, T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences and breathhold gradient-echo (GRE) T1- and breathhold fast SE T2-weighted images were compared.


METHODS
20 patients with proven focal liver lesions were studied on a 1.5 Tesla system. Conventional SE T1- and T2-weighted imaging, as well as GRE T1- and fast SE T2-weighted imaging was performed. Fast imaging was done during breathhold using an array-surface coil. For all sequences signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) and liver-to-lesion-contrast ratios (L/L) were measured and statistically compared. In addition, two blinded readers qualitatively evaluated all images, using a score system regarding artifacts (breathing, pulsation), number of lesions, and over-all image quality.


RESULTS
Regarding image quality parameters, S/N and L/L, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the conventional and fast imaging techniques. However, GRE imaging was superior (84.8%) to conventional imaging for breathing and pulsation artifacts, while fast SE T2 imaging was equal regarding breathing artifacts, but superior (51.5%) regarding pulsation artifacts. The number of detected hepatic lesions was identical in all sequences.


CONCLUSIONS
The fast MRI techniques demonstrated a superiority to conventional imaging regarding image quality and presence of artifacts. Therefore, fast imaging techniques can replace conventional techniques, at least in patients that can sufficiently sustain breathing.
Helmberger
T
T
Institut für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universität München.
Holzknecht
N
N
Lackerbauer
C A
CA
Müller-Lisse
U
U
Schnarkowski
P
P
Gauger
J
J
Reiser
M
M
D016477:Artifacts; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*