MRI of the female pelvis at 3T compared to 1.5T: evaluation on high-resolution T2-weighted and HASTE images.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of MRI of the female pelvis using high-resolution T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and the half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) technique at 3 Tesla (T) compared to 1.5T, while focusing on the uterine body and cervical anatomy.


METHODS
A total of 19 healthy women underwent pelvic MR scans on 3T and 1.5T scanners. Axial and sagittal T2W (voxel size of 0.6 x 0.8 x 2 mm) and sagittal HASTE images were obtained. The images were evaluated qualitatively for overall image quality, contrast in the uterine zonal appearance and cervical structure, image inhomogeneity, and artifacts. A quantitative evaluation was performed regarding zonal contrast and image inhomogeneity.


RESULTS
On T2WI, the image contrast in the uterine cervix and vagina were significantly higher at 3T than at 1.5T, although there was no significant difference in the overall image quality or contrast in the uterine zonal appearance. Image inhomogeneity was more prominent at 3T, and motion artifact was more severe at 1.5T.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that MRI of the female pelvis at 3T may potentially provide excellent images of the uterine cervix on high-resolution T2WI. New techniques to reduce inhomogeneity are thus called for.
Kataoka
Masako
M
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Kido
Aki
A
Koyama
Takashi
T
Isoda
Hiroyoshi
H
Umeoka
Shigeaki
S
Tamai
Ken
K
Nakamoto
Yuji
Y
Maetani
Yoji
Y
Morisawa
Nobuko
N
Saga
Tsuneo
T
Togashi
Kaori
K
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics; D015588:Observer Variation; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010388:Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014621:Vagina / Q000033:anatomy & histology