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Pelvimetry and patient acceptability compared between open 0.5-T and closed 1.5-T MR systems
Sven C A Michel1, Annett Rake, Lutz Götzmann
1Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
European Radiology
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Open low-field MRI systems offer greater patient comfort for pelvimetry compared to closed high-field systems. However, image quality limitations in open systems may affect accuracy for larger abdominal circumferences.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for maternal pelvimetry.
- Patient comfort and system acceptability are crucial factors in imaging procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare maternal pelvimetry accuracy and patient acceptability between open low-field (0.5-T) and closed high-field (1.5-T) MRI systems.
- To evaluate patient preference for different MRI system designs during pelvimetry.
Main Methods:
- Thirty women underwent dual pelvimetry scans, once in an open low-field and once in a closed high-field MRI system.
- Pelvimetric measurements and patient comfort/acceptability questionnaires were compared between the two systems.
- Scan times and image quality limitations were also assessed.
Main Results:
- The open system was significantly more acceptable regarding claustrophobia and confinement (p<0.01).
- Image quality in the open system was insufficient for complete pelvimetry in two pregnant women with abdominal circumferences >120 cm.
- Sixty percent of women preferred the open system, citing better comfort, despite longer scan times.
Conclusions:
- Open low-field MRI pelvimetry is feasible and preferred by most patients, particularly those experiencing claustrophobia.
- Image quality limitations in open systems may restrict its use in patients with larger abdominal circumferences (>120 cm).
- Further research may explore optimizing open-system MRI for accurate pelvimetry in all patient populations.