Respiratory navigated free breathing 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo sequence for contrast-enhanced examination of the liver: diagnostic utility and comparison with free breathing and breath-hold conventional examinations.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate image quality in a 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR) sequence that was modified to incorporate respiratory navigation to limit the deleterious effects of respiratory motion and to compare it with conventional scanning during breath-holding and free breathing. CONCLUSION: Respiratory navigation of 3D SPGR sequences is technically feasible, and image quality is modestly improved over free breathing acquisitions using conventional 3D SPGR sequences. This may represent a promising imaging alternative for patients who cannot hold their breath.