Zero-echo time magnetic resonance imaging for visualizing pulmonary neoplasms
摘要
To assess the ability of a zero-echo time sequence combined with a highly flexible adaptive image receiving coil (AIRTM coil) to visualize pulmonary neoplasms.
MethodsA total of 42 patients with pulmonary neoplasms were included, all of whom underwent chest CT and MRI examinations. A highly flexible AIRTM coil was used. The MR-ZTE and CT images were compared in terms of subjective and objective image quality.
ResultsIntrapulmonary structures were imaged using MRI-ZTE. Various nodules and masses, including micronodules, subsolid or ground glass opacification nodules, and various masses, were clearly visualized via MRI-ZTE. In terms of subjective image quality, there was no significant difference in lesion detectability between CT and MRI-ZTE (P = 0.8). In terms of objective image quality for MRI-ZTE, the SNRs and CNRs of the lung parenchyma, pulmonary nodules, trachea, peripheral bronchus, and peripheral pulmonary vessels were good.
ConclusionsMRI-ZTE enabled the detection of intrapulmonary structures and various pulmonary neoplasms with good image quality, including micronodules, subsolid or ground glass opacification nodules, and various masses. Therefore, MRI-ZTE has great potential as a nonradiation alternative to CT for the follow-up of pulmonary neoplasms.