[Prospective feasibility study of chest X-ray vs. thoracic MRI in breath-hold technique at an open low-field scanner].
OBJECTIVE
MR investigations using a breath-hold sequence at an open low-field MR had to be compared to chest X-rays in patients with a wide spectrum of cardio-thoracic pathologies.


METHODS
114 patients and three volunteers who actually received a chest X-ray due to different indications underwent triplanar breath-hold (17 - 20 s) True-FISP sequence using a 0.2 T low-field MR (Siemens Magnetom Open, TR/TE/alpha: 7.3/3.5/80 degrees, SD: 10 mm, Pixel: 2.81 x 1.41 mm) a mean of 5.1 (+/- 8.2) days later.


RESULTS
Signal-to-noise ratio as basics for pattern recognition was 3.2 in nodule, 5.0 in infiltration, and 12.0 in effusion, and therefore True-FISP is usable for the detection of these findings. MRI demonstrated nodules (89 % vs. 57 %), infiltration (81 % vs. 71 %), pleural effusions (86 % vs. 75 %), pericardial effusions (100 % vs. 21 %) and pulmonary congestion (90 % vs. 80 %) clearly more frequently compared to chest X-ray.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI of the lung has been implemented successfully at an open low-field MR system. Diagnostic safety and accuracy are at least comparable to those of chest X-ray. The lack of superimposition led to a major improvement in the detection of pericardial effusions and nodules, and an increase in identification of infiltration, pleural effusion, and pulmonary congestion.
Heussel
C P
CP
Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Germany. heussel@mail.uni-mainz.de
Sandner
A
A
Voigtländer
T
T
Heike
M
M
Deimling
M
M
Kuth
R
R
Rupprecht
T
T
Schreiber
W G
WG
Kauczor
H U
HU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*