Utility of three dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE) sequences in MR sialographic sequences: model and volunteer studies.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the utility of 3D-FASE for the visualization of salivary gland ducts for use in MR sialographic sequences.


METHODS
We compared MR sialographic images and virtual endoscopic views from 3D-FASE with those from three kinds of sequences described by previous reports in a 3D parotid gland duct model and volunteer. The four sequences were two-dimension fast spin-echo (2D-FSE), three-dimension fast spin-echo (3D-FSE), two-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (2D-FASE), and three-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE).


RESULTS
In the 3D parotid gland duct model, image visibility on visual score was clearest with 3D-FSE, followed by 3D-FASE (P = 0.028). In the volunteers, the visualization of images improved in the following order: 3D-FASE > 3D-FSE > 2D-FSE > 2D-FASE.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of 3D-FASE sequencing is more suitable and useful for MR sialography with an appropriate acquisition time.
Morimoto
Y
Y
Department of Dental Radiology, Kyushu Dental College, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Japan. ra-mori@kyu-dent.ac.jp
Tanaka
T
T
Kito
S
S
Tominaga
K
K
Yoshioka
I
I
Yamashita
Y
Y
Shibuya
T
T
Matsufuji
Y
Y
Kodama
M
M
Takahashi
T
T
Fukuda
J
J
Ohba
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000033:anatomy & histology*