Abstract
Introduction: Cross-sectional imaging has been increasingly used in recent years for cardiac and chest evaluation as multiplanar imaging gives excellent image characterization. Multiplanar imaging with excellent soft tissue contrast without radiation risks in MRI signifies its major role in cardiac and chest imaging.
Aim: To evaluate the value of 3-Dimensional T2-Weighted Short Inversion Time Inversion Recovery (3D-T2-STIR) gated sequence in cardiac and chest MR imaging.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in which 41 adult patients who came for chest and cardiac MRI were included. All our patients were imaged on a 3-T clinical scanner and obtained T2-weighted SPACE STIR gated sequence in addition to routine sequences. The image qualities of 3D-T2-SPACE STIR sequences were compared with routine MRI sequences and were scored by two experienced radiologist in blinded fashion as good, fair and poor. Scan time consumption of 3D-T2-SPACE STIR sequences and routine MRI sequences were also done.
Results: A 3D T2 SPACE STIR sequences demonstrated comparable image quality in all patients. The level of agreement between the two radiologists on the image qualities of 3D-T2-SPACE STIR sequences was excellent. In patients with renal failure and pregnant patients where contrast studies and CT is contraindicated 3D SPACE STIR T2 imaging adds value in diagnosing pulmonary thromboembolism, congenital heart disease, bronchiectasis and consolidation with very less sequence acquisition time, ranging from 1 to 3 minutes.
Conclusion: A 3D SPACE STIR MRI sequence is a useful adjunct in cardiac and chest imaging especially in renal failure and pregnant patients where contrast is contraindicated and also time conserving in these patients.