[A new application of MR tomography of the lung using ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences].
OBJECTIVE
Development of an improved MR sequence for examining the lung.


METHODS
T2 weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT.


RESULTS
In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (TE = 90 ms, TR = 2-4 s, echo = 9 ms, turbo factor = 19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value.


CONCLUSIONS
Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages for MRT.
Lutterbey
G
G
Philips Medizin System, Universität Bonn
Gieseke
J
J
Sommer
T
T
Keller
E
E
Kuhl
C
C
Schild
H
H
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods