Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis: technical considerations

To perform magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis, one must be familiar with the imaging appearance of normal structures as well as the disease entities that may be encountered. However, it is also important to be familiar with and understand the basic physical principles of the available imaging techniques to be able to optimize image quality and the detection of abnormalities. This discussion is intended to describe the available imaging techniques used in evaluation of the female pelvis. Following a discussion of conventional spin echo (CSE) techniques, the fast spin echo (FSE) technique will be described in detail. This will include how the FSE sequence generates images, the choice of imaging parameters, and the unique contrast characteristics and artifacts associated with the FSE technique. Pelvic multicoils will also be described in detail, including the choice of imaging parameters when using these coils and the unique artifacts that can be encountered. Chemical-selective imaging and motion artifact reduction techniques will additionally be described. At the end of the discussion, suggested imaging parameters are given for CSE and FSE sequences and for body coil and multicoil imaging.