A NEW APPLICATION OF MRT OF THE LUNG USIN G ULTRA-SHORT TURBO SPIN-ECHO SEQUENCES (UTSE)

Purpose: Development of an improved MR sequence for examining the lung . Method: T-2 weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations wer e carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences givin g optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having vario us pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contra sts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compare d with CT. Results: In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequ ence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T-E = 90 ms, T-R = 2-4 s, echo = 9 ms, turbo factor = 19). In the patient series studied, MRT wa s inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, bu r better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Conclusion: Usin g UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared w ith CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages fo r MRT.