Liver MR imaging: 1.5T versus 3T.
This article focuses on technical challenges in transferring 1.5T liver protocols to 3T systems and the overall comparison of MR sequences, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of imaging at the higher field strength. An important benefit is the capacity of acquiring high-quality, thin-section postgadolinium T1-weighted three-dimensional gradientecho sequences, most clinically relevant for the detection and characterization of small hypervascular malignant diseases. Further research and development is necessary to overcome disadvantages, such as with in- and out-of phase T1-weighted gradient-echo sequences, and to minimize artifacts that appear at 3T.
Ramalho
Miguel
M
Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7510, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, USA.
Altun
Ersan
E
Herédia
Vasco
V
Zapparoli
Mauricio
M
Semelka
Richard
R
D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium