[Fast and ultra-fast sequences in MRI of the pelvis and retroperitoneum]

Fast and ultrafast sequences are crucial prerequisite for optimum diagnostic impact in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pelvis and retroperitoneum. In MR imaging of the pelvis, heavily T2-weighted fast turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences with acquisition times of 2-4 min have widely replaced time-consuming conventional T2-weighted SE sequences due to substantial time savings and better image quality. Fast and ultrafast gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequences are the basis of dynamic contrast-enhanced studies. In MR imaging of the retroperitoneum, fast and ultrafast sequences currently play the most important role as they allow for breath-hold acquisition of a sufficient number of images free of motion artifacts. The current roles of TSE, tubo gradient spin echo (TGSE), GRE and echoplanar imaging (EPI) sequences in MR imaging of the pelvis and retroperitoneum is discussed.