Post-contrast T1-weighted Sequences in Pediatric Abdominal Imaging: Comparative Analysis of Three Different Sequences and Imaging Approach

Overview

Journal Pediatr Radiol

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2014 Apr 12

PMID 24723237

Citations 1

Authors

Andreia Roque

Miguel Ramalho

Mamdoh AlObaidy

Vasco Heredia

Lauren M Burke

Rafael O P de Campos

Richard C Semelka

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Post-contrast T1-weighted imaging is an essential component of a comprehensive pediatric abdominopelvic MR examination. However, consistent good image quality is challenging, as respiratory motion in sedated children can substantially degrade the image quality.

Objective: To compare the image quality of three different post-contrast T1-weighted imaging techniques-standard three-dimensional gradient-echo (3-D-GRE), magnetization-prepared gradient-recall echo (MP-GRE) and 3-D-GRE with radial data sampling (radial 3-D-GRE)-acquired in pediatric patients younger than 5 years of age.

Materials And Methods: Sixty consecutive exams performed in 51 patients (23 females, 28 males; mean age 2.5 ± 1.4 years) constituted the final study population. Thirty-nine scans were performed at 3 T and 21 scans were performed at 1.5 T. Two different reviewers independently and blindly qualitatively evaluated all sequences to determine image quality and extent of artifacts.

Results: MP-GRE and radial 3-D-GRE sequences had the least respiratory motion (P < 0.0001). Standard 3-D-GRE sequences displayed the lowest average score ratings in hepatic and pancreatic edge definition, hepatic vessel clarity and overall image quality. Radial 3-D-GRE sequences showed the highest scores ratings in overall image quality.

Conclusions: Our preliminary results support the preference of fat-suppressed radial 3-D-GRE as the best post-contrast T1-weighted imaging approach for patients under the age of 5 years, when dynamic imaging is not essential.

Citing Articles

Advanced imaging techniques in pediatric body MRI.

Courtier J, Rao A, Anupindi S Pediatr Radiol. 2017; 47(5):522-533.

PMID: 28409251 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-017-3778-0.

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