MRI OF THE PANCREAS - VALUE OF STANDARD V S FAT-SUPPRESSED PULSE SEQUENCES AT 0.5 T

Purpose: To compare five pulse sequences in 60 patients with pancreati c disease by means of MRI at 0.5 T. Methods: T-1 weighted Spin-Echo se quences (T(1)w SE) before and after i.v. contrast medium administratio n, fat-suppressed T(1)w SE sequences after i.v. contrast medium admini stration, T-2 weighted Turbo-Spin-Echo sequences (T(2)w TSE), and fat- suppressed T(2)w TSE were evaluated within an ROC study. Results: The standard sequences (T(1)w SE before and after i.v. contrast medium adm inistration, T(2)w TSE) were superior to the fat-suppressed T(1)w and T(2)w (T)SE sequences in delineating the anatomy and for correct diagn osis. The T(1)w sequence with and without i.v. contrast media detected all anatomic structures best. In most instances the correct diagnosis and coexistent findings in the diseased pancreas were obtained with t he T(2)w sequence. Conclusion: Fat-suppressed sequences are less usefu l in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease by MRI at medium field streng th compared to the standard sequences.