Background: To compare three rapid T2-weighted pulse sequences with hi
gh-resolution turbo spin-echo (SE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for
the diagnosis of leiomyoma and adenomyosis. Methods: Eighteen patient
s referred for evaluation of suspected leiomyoma or adenomyosis underw
ent imaging at 1.5 T with a phased-array multicoil. Non-breath-hold, f
at-saturated sagittal images of 4-7 mm, with equivalent voxel size, we
re obtained through the pelvis with the following three rapid pulse se
quences: segmented, half-Fourier single shot turbo SE (HASTE), turboGR
ASE (TGSE) and turbo SE MR images. Mean acquisition times were 17 s (H
ASTE), 37 s (TGSE), and 42 s (turbo SE). These images were compared, i
n a blinded fashion, to high resolution turbo SE MR images, which are
considered the ''standard'' for pelvic MRI. Results: The three rapid p
ulse sequences, HASTE, TGSE and turbo SE, provided equivalent diagnost
ic information when compared with high-resolution turbo SE MR images.
There was no significant difference in image quality, detection and lo
calization of leiomyoma or in diagnosis of adenomyosis among the three
rapid sequences. HASTE imaging demonstrated the least ghosting. Concl
usion: Diagnostic T2-weighted images of benign uterine pathology may b
e obtained in as little as 17 s.