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MR cholangiopancreatography: comparison between two-dimensional fast spin-echo and three-dimensional gradient-echo
C Reinhold1, L Guibaud, G Genin
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, School of Medicine, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Fast spin-echo (FSE) magnetic resonance imaging sequences are superior to steady-state free precession (SSFP) for visualizing the biliary tree and pancreatic duct in patients with suspected bile duct obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Bile duct obstruction diagnosis relies on imaging.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a key non-invasive technique.
- Comparing different MRCP sequences is crucial for diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare three-dimensional (3D) steady-state free precession (SSFP) and two-dimensional (2D) fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences.
- To evaluate their efficacy in diagnosing bile duct obstruction.
- To determine the optimal MRCP sequence for visualizing the biliary and pancreatic ducts.
Main Methods:
- Prospective comparative analysis of 26 patients with suspected bile duct obstruction.
- Acquisition of both 3D SSFP and T2-weighted 2D FSE sequences in multiple planes.
- Comparison of imaging results with direct cholangiography or sonography/CT findings.
Main Results:
- Fast spin-echo (FSE) visualized extrahepatic bile ducts in 96% of patients, compared to 44% with SSFP.
- Intrahepatic bile ducts were seen in 100% of FSE sequences versus 42% with SSFP.
- Pancreatic duct visualization was significantly better with FSE (65%) than SSFP (23%).
Conclusions:
- T2-weighted FSE sequences demonstrate superior visualization of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct compared to SSFP.
- FSE sequences should be preferred over SSFP for MR cholangiopancreatography.
- FSE sequences are recommended to replace gradient-echo sequences in MRCP.