MR enteroclysis protocol optimization: comparison between 3D FLASH with fat saturation after intravenous gadolinium injection and true FISP sequences

The aim of this study was to introduce the true fast imaging with steady-st ate precession (FISP) sequence for MR enteroclysis and compare it with the already used T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence. Twenty-one p atients underwent both MR and conventional enteroclysis. The MR enteroclysi s examination was performed after administration of an iso-osmotic water so lution through a nasojejunal catheter and the following sequences were incl uded: (a) true FISP; and (b) 3D FLASH with fat saturation after intravenous injection of 20 mg Buscopan or 1 mg glucagon and 0.1 mmol/kg gadolinium ch elates. The true FISP sequence provided images with significantly fewer mot ion artifacts, whereas 3D FLASH was less sensitive to susceptibility and ch emical shift artifacts. The homogeneity of endoluminal opacification, wall conspicuity, and distention of the small bowel were very good to excellent and the two sequences presented no statistically significant differences he re. True FISP provided significantly better overall image quality than did 3D FLASH. The true FISP sequence can provide good anatomic demonstration of the small bowel on T2-like images and could be combined with T1-weighted F LASH images for an integrated protocol of MR enteroclysis.