Screening applications for MRI in the detection of upper abdominal disease: comparative study of non-contrast-enhanced single-shot MRI and contrast-enhanced helical CT
T. De Jaegere et al., Screening applications for MRI in the detection of upper abdominal disease: comparative study of non-contrast-enhanced single-shot MRI and contrast-enhanced helical CT, EUR RADIOL, 9(5), 1999, pp. 853-861
Purpose: To compare the value of 'push-button' singe-shot non-contrast-enha
nced MRI and contrast-enhanced helical CT for detection of upper abdominal
disease. Methods: In 120 patients, images obtained with non contrast-enhanc
ed single-shot MRI (T2: double echo HASTE, and T1: turbo, FLASH) and contra
st-enhanced helical CT were compared. Lesions or abnormalities were divided
in 8 anatomical categories (1: liver; 2: pancreatobiliary; 3: kidney/adren
al gland; 4: retroperitoneum; 5: vascular; 6: spleen; 7: gastrointestinal t
ract and peritoneum; 8: base of thorax) and classified as follows: 2: seen
at !;MRI only; 1: better seen at MRT; 0: no difference; -1: better seen at
CT; -2: seen at CT only. Also recorded were the 'door-to-door' examination
times. Results! Of a total of 629 abnormalities, 594 were detected at MRI (
94 %) and 536 at CT (85 %). CT offered better results in two categories onl
y: retroperitoneum (mean score: -0.68) and vascular (mean score -0.87). Mea
n examination times were 19 min for CT and 14.8 min for MRI. Conclusion: Un
enhanced single-shot MRI is a valuable first step of a comprehensive upper
abdominal MR exam and may: even be the final step in many patients.