Single-shot fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonanceimaging of the bladder

The purpose of this study was to reduce artifacts and increase imaging spee d in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging of the urinary bla dder. An existing half-Fourier, single-shot fast spin-echo imaging sequence was modified to allow presaturation with a non-slice-selective inversion r ecovery pulse (NSI SSFLAIR). Four Independent, blinded readers rated severi ty of bladder artifacts and image quality in six normal male volunteers. NS I SSFLAIR effectively suppressed bladder urine signal in all six cases usin g a TI of 2900-3100 msec. Although NSI SSFLAIR images were noisier than sta ndard fast spin-echo images, imaging time was only 10 seconds per slice loc ation. Furthermore, perceived image sharpness was only minimally reduced, a nd conspicuity of the seminal vesicles and peripheral zone of the prostate were nearly equivalent. NSI SSFLAIR provides rapid T2-weighted imaging of t he bladder wall and perivesicular tissues with nearly complete negation of signal from urine in the bladder. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000; 11:673-677. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.