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Hepatic MR imaging: comparison of 2D and 3D gradient echo techniques
1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 South 10th Street, 1096 Main Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5244, USA.
Abdominal Imaging
|June 30, 2001
Summary
Fat-suppressed three-dimensional gradient echo (3D-GRE) MRI offers improved conspicuity and detection of focal hepatic lesions compared to two-dimensional gradient echo (2D-GRE). While 3D-GRE shows potential for enhanced lesion identification, overall image quality remains comparable between techniques.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing focal liver lesions.
- Comparing advanced MRI sequences aids in optimizing diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of fat-suppressed three-dimensional gradient echo (3D-GRE) and two-dimensional gradient echo (2D-GRE) techniques for hepatic MRI.
Main Methods:
- 107 patients with suspected focal hepatic lesions underwent unenhanced 2D-GRE (in-phase and opposed-phase) and 3D-GRE imaging.
- Radiologists independently assessed lesion conspicuity, detection confidence, artifacts, and image quality.
- Quantitative analysis included contrast-to-noise (C/N) and signal-to-noise ratios (S/N).
Main Results:
- 3D-GRE demonstrated statistically significant higher lesion conspicuity and detection confidence than 2D-GRE.
- Liver-to-spleen C/N was higher on 3D-GRE images (p < 0.01).
- Liver S/N was higher on in-phase 2D-GRE (p < 0.001), while 3D-GRE showed fewer motion/pulsation artifacts but higher graininess/shading.
Conclusions:
- Fat-suppressed 3D-GRE sequences provide comparable or superior image quality for hepatic MRI.
- 3D-GRE techniques show potential for improved detection of focal hepatic lesions.