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MR imaging of the small bowel using the HASTE sequence
J K Lee1, H B Marcos, R C Semelka
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7510, USA.
Objective:
To establish the normal MR appearance of small bowel on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence and to determine the ability of HASTE to reveal small-bowel disease.
Materials And Methods:
HASTE images in 50 patients without small-bowel disease were reviewed retrospectively to determine the normal MR appearance of small bowel. All patients fasted for at least 6 hr. The images of 18 patients with proven small-bowel abnormalities that were obtained with the HASTE sequence were also reviewed retrospectively by one observer unaware of the findings. The ability to characterize small-bowel diseases using the HASTE sequence was assessed.
Results:
In the 50 patients with normal small bowel, no fluid was seen in the jejunum and ileum loops in four (8%). Fluid was present in less than 25% of small-bowel loops in 20 patients (40%), 25-50% of small-bowel loops in 20 patients (40%), and 50-75% of small-bowel loops in six patients (12%). Equal amounts of fluid were present in the jejunum and ileum in 30 patients (60%). More fluid was seen in the jejunum than the ileum in 16 patients (32%) and the reverse was true in four patients (8%). The mean diameter of the jejunum was 2.1 cm (SD = 0.34 cm) and of the ileum, 1.9 cm (SD = 0.41 cm). The thickness of the small-bowel wall and valvulae conniventes averaged 2 mm. Findings of dilatation of the bowel lumen and increased thickness of the bowel wall and valvulae conniventes were identified in 18 patients with small-bowel abnormalities.
Conclusion:
The normal and abnormal small bowel can be assessed using the HASTE sequence.
Insights
The half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence effectively visualizes normal small bowel anatomy and pathology. This MRI technique accurately assesses small bowel diseases, offering valuable diagnostic insights.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing small bowel conditions.
- The half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence offers rapid imaging capabilities.
- Establishing normal imaging parameters is essential for accurate disease detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the normal MR appearance of the small bowel using the HASTE sequence.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the HASTE sequence in identifying small bowel abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of HASTE MRI scans from 50 healthy individuals to establish normal small bowel characteristics.
- Analysis of HASTE scans from 18 patients with confirmed small bowel diseases.
- Assessment of image quality and diagnostic accuracy of the HASTE sequence.
Main Results:
- Normal small bowel dimensions (mean jejunum diameter 2.1 cm, ileum 1.9 cm) and wall thickness (2 mm) were established.
- Fluid distribution patterns in the small bowel were characterized in healthy subjects.
- HASTE sequence successfully identified abnormalities including bowel wall thickening and lumen dilatation in patients with disease.
Conclusions:
- The HASTE sequence is a reliable tool for assessing both normal and abnormal small bowel.
- This MRI technique aids in the diagnosis and characterization of small bowel pathologies.