Respiratory navigated free breathing 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo sequence for contrast-enhanced examination of the liver: diagnostic utility and comparison with free breathing and breath-hold conventional examinations.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to evaluate image quality in a 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR) sequence that was modified to incorporate respiratory navigation to limit the deleterious effects of respiratory motion and to compare it with conventional scanning during breath-holding and free breathing.


CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory navigation of 3D SPGR sequences is technically feasible, and image quality is modestly improved over free breathing acquisitions using conventional 3D SPGR sequences. This may represent a promising imaging alternative for patients who cannot hold their breath.
Young
Phillip M
PM
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. young.phillip@mayo.edu
Brau
Anja C
AC
Iwadate
Yuji
Y
Vasanawala
Shreyas
S
Daniel
Bruce L
BL
Tamrazi
Anobel
A
Herfkens
Robert J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012119:Respiration; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA