T-1 weighted sequences for hepatic MRI: Re-evaluation using a phased arraycoil

The purpose of this study was to compare three T1-weighted sequences for he patic magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging with the use of a body phased array coil. Three different T1-weighted MR sequences were compared: a conventiona l spin echo (CSE); half-Fourier spin echo (HFSE), and a gradient recalled e cho (GRE). Three independent reviewers compared the sequences both quantita tively and qualitatively, The T1-weighted GRE sequence scored highest for o verall image quality (p < 0.001), lesion conspicuity (p = 0.012), and yield ed the highest contrast to noise (C/N) values. GRE T1-weighted images are t he best for hepatic MRI. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1999.