PURPOSE: To improve the image quality of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) by modification of examination conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRCP of 72 patients was performed with a 1.5 T system (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, 25 mT/m) using two breath-hold techniques, half-fourier acquisition with multislice T2-WI HASTE in MIP technique, and single shot T2-WI turbo-spin-echo (RARE) with different slice thicknesses. The effects of n-butylscopolamine were assessed. Furthermore, oral contrast agents [barium sulfate, Fe(II)-gluconate, Fe(II,III)-oxide] in various concentrations were used. The slice thickness was varied for the RARE sequence (3-7 cm). RESULTS: N-butylscopolamine had no influence on image quality. Improvements could be attained by variation of the slice thickness. A significant reduction of disturbing background noise was obtained by oral application of iron gluconate, or iron oxide-containing contrast media. Similar improvements were achieved with barium sulfate. CONCLUSIONS: Variation of slice thickness allows an improvement of MRCP quality. Oral contrast media improve the image quality of MRCP. The expense of contrast media may be a determinant of choice.
PURPOSE: To improve the image quality of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) by modification of examination conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRCP of 72 patients was performed with a 1.5 T system (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, 25 mT/m) using two breath-hold techniques, half-fourier acquisition with multislice T2-WI HASTE in MIP technique, and single shot T2-WI turbo-spin-echo (RARE) with different slice thicknesses. The effects of n-butylscopolamine were assessed. Furthermore, oral contrast agents [barium sulfate, Fe(II)-gluconate, Fe(II,III)-oxide] in various concentrations were used. The slice thickness was varied for the RARE sequence (3-7 cm). RESULTS:N-butylscopolamine had no influence on image quality. Improvements could be attained by variation of the slice thickness. A significant reduction of disturbing background noise was obtained by oral application of iron gluconate, or iron oxide-containing contrast media. Similar improvements were achieved with barium sulfate. CONCLUSIONS: Variation of slice thickness allows an improvement of MRCP quality. Oral contrast media improve the image quality of MRCP. The expense of contrast media may be a determinant of choice.
Authors: A M Wallnoefer; K A Herrmann; U Beuers; C J Zech; S Gourtsoyianni; M F Reiser; S O Schoenberg Journal: Radiologe Date: 2005-11 Impact factor: 0.635