Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Three-Dimensional Phase Resolved Functional Lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 21, 2024
MRI of respiratory dynamics with 2D steady-state free-precession and 2D gradient echo sequences at 1.5 and 3 Tesla:
M Fabel1, B J Wintersperger, O Dietrich
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 9, 24105 Kiel, Germany. m.fabel@rad.uni-kiel.de
Abstract:
To compare the image quality of dynamic lung MRI with variations of steady-state free-precession (SSFP) and gradient echo (GRE) cine techniques at 1.5 T and 3 T. Ventilated porcine lungs with simulated lesions inside a chest phantom and four healthy human subjects were assessed with SSFP (TR/TE=2.9/1.22 ms; 3 ima/s) and GRE sequences (TR/TE=2.34/0.96 ms; 8 ima/s) as baseline at 1.5 and 3 T. Modified SSFPs were performed with nine to ten images/s (parallel imaging factors 2 and 3). Image quality for representative structures and artifacts was ranked by three observers independently. At 1.5 T, standard SSFP achieved the best image quality with superior spatial resolution and signal, but equal temporal resolution to GRE. SSFP with improved temporal resolution was ranked second best. Further acceleration (PI factor 3) was of no benefit, but increased artifacts. At 3 T, GRE outranged SSFP imaging with high lesion signal intensity, while artifacts on SSFP images increased visibly. At 1.5 T, a modified SSFP with moderate parallel imaging (PI factor 2) was considered the best compromise of temporal and spatial resolution. At 3 T, GRE sequences remain the best choice for dynamic lung MRI.
Insights
Dynamic lung MRI image quality differs by field strength. At 1.5 T, modified steady-state free-precession (SSFP) offers the best balance, while 3 T favors gradient echo (GRE) for superior lesion visualization.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Pulmonary Imaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Dynamic lung MRI is crucial for assessing respiratory motion.
- Steady-state free-precession (SSFP) and gradient echo (GRE) cine techniques are commonly used.
- Optimizing image quality at different magnetic field strengths (1.5 T and 3 T) is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the image quality of dynamic lung MRI using SSFP and GRE techniques.
- To evaluate the impact of different magnetic field strengths (1.5 T and 3 T) on image quality.
- To assess the effect of modified SSFP sequences with accelerated temporal resolution.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of SSFP and GRE cine sequences at 1.5 T and 3 T.
- Inclusion of ventilated porcine lungs in a chest phantom and four healthy human subjects.
- Assessment of standard and modified SSFP sequences with varying temporal resolutions (3-10 images/s) and parallel imaging factors.
- Independent ranking of image quality, spatial resolution, signal intensity, and artifacts by three observers.
Main Results:
- At 1.5 T, standard SSFP provided superior spatial resolution and signal compared to GRE, with equal temporal resolution.
- Modified SSFP sequences at 1.5 T with moderate acceleration (parallel imaging factor 2) offered the best compromise between temporal and spatial resolution.
- At 3 T, GRE sequences demonstrated higher lesion signal intensity and were preferred over SSFP, which showed increased artifacts.
- Higher acceleration (parallel imaging factor 3) on SSFP did not improve image quality and increased artifacts.
Conclusions:
- At 1.5 T, a modified SSFP sequence with parallel imaging factor 2 is recommended for dynamic lung MRI, balancing temporal and spatial resolution.
- At 3 T, GRE sequences are the preferred choice for dynamic lung MRI due to better lesion visualization and artifact profile.
- Technique selection for dynamic lung MRI should consider the magnetic field strength to optimize image quality and diagnostic performance.
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