A new application of MRT of the lung using ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences (UTSE)

Purpose: Development of an improved MR sequence for examining the lung. Method: T-2 weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. Results: In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T-E = 90 ms, T-R = 2-4 s, echo = 9 ms, turbo factor = 19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, bur better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Conclusion: Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages for MRT.