Post-contrast T1-weighted sequences in pediatric abdominal imaging: comparative analysis of three different sequences and imaging approach.
BACKGROUND
Post-contrast T1-weighted imaging is an essential component of a comprehensive pediatric abdominopelvic MR examination. However, consistent good image quality is challenging, as respiratory motion in sedated children can substantially degrade the image quality.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the image quality of three different post-contrast T1-weighted imaging techniques-standard three-dimensional gradient-echo (3-D-GRE), magnetization-prepared gradient-recall echo (MP-GRE) and 3-D-GRE with radial data sampling (radial 3-D-GRE)-acquired in pediatric patients younger than 5 years of age.


METHODS
Sixty consecutive exams performed in 51 patients (23 females, 28 males; mean age 2.5 ± 1.4 years) constituted the final study population. Thirty-nine scans were performed at 3 T and 21 scans were performed at 1.5 T. Two different reviewers independently and blindly qualitatively evaluated all sequences to determine image quality and extent of artifacts.


RESULTS
MP-GRE and radial 3-D-GRE sequences had the least respiratory motion (P < 0.0001). Standard 3-D-GRE sequences displayed the lowest average score ratings in hepatic and pancreatic edge definition, hepatic vessel clarity and overall image quality. Radial 3-D-GRE sequences showed the highest scores ratings in overall image quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary results support the preference of fat-suppressed radial 3-D-GRE as the best post-contrast T1-weighted imaging approach for patients under the age of 5 years, when dynamic imaging is not essential.
Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 7510 - 2001 Old Clinic Bldg., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7510, USA.
Andreia
A
Roque
Miguel
M
Ramalho
Mamdoh
M
AlObaidy
Vasco
V
Herédia
Lauren M
LM
Burke
Rafael O P
RO
de Campos
Richard C
RC
Semelka
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology*; D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA