MR imaging of the adrenal glands: 1.5T versus 3T.
MR imaging at 1.5T is considered the prime cross-sectional imaging modality for characterization of adrenal lesions. This is of utmost clinical importance, because non-functioning adenoma and adrenal metastasis are fairly common. The differentiation of these two tumor entities primarily is based on chemical shift imaging, also known as dual echo in-phase and opposed-phase imaging. At 3.0 T, the echo time pairs for in-phase and opposed-phase MR imaging need to be adjusted because the frequency difference is double that of standard 1.5T MR systems. Unfortunately, the acquisition of the first opposed-phase echo at 1.1 milliseconds and the first in-phase echo at 2.2 milliseconds within the same breath-hold requires unacceptably high receiver bandwidths at 3.0 T. Therefore, alternative data collection schemes have been implemented. This article reviews the current literature regarding adrenal imaging at 3.0 T with a focus on the chemical shift technique.
Merkle
Elmar M
EM
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA. elmar.merkle@duke.edu
Schindera
Sebastian T
ST
D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*