Methods of 3D heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR sialography and comparative study of repetition time
XU Liang1, GUO Qi-yong2, ZHANG Hong-li3, XU Xiao-qiu1, SHEN Jun-kang1, WANG Guan-zhong1, GONG Jian-ping1, QIAN Ming-hui1
1.Department of Radiology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Suzhou University, Suzhou Jiangsu 215004, China;2.Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;3.Department of Radiology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou Jiangsu 215002, China
Abstract：Objective: To optimize the imaging technology of 3D MR sialography on a Philips 1.5T unit by the choice of radiofrequency coil and sequence, and by the comparative study of TR． Methods: Ten volunteers without salivary gland diseases were included in this study. SENSE－FLEX－M coil was used． Serial heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences of different TR were used in each of the volunteers. The quality of MR sialograms was assessed subjectively by developing a visibility scoring system. Signal intensity of salivary ducts and background tissue were measured in 6 different regions of interest. Contrast to noise ratio(CNR) was measured and compared. Results: The salivary gland ducts and its peripheral branches can be displayed well on images of MR sialography in all volunteers. The score and CNR of parotid gland duct using 2000ms TR were statistically lower than those using other TRs(P<0.05). The score and CNR of parotid gland duct using 4000ms TR were higher than those using 2000ms TR, and lower than those using other TRs(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between TRs of 5000ms, 6000ms, 7000ms, 8000ms, and 9000ms(P>0.05)． The score and CNR of submandibular gland duct using 2000ms TR was statistically lower than those using other TRs(P<0.01). The CNR using TR 4000ms was higher than that of 2000ms, and lower than those using other TRs(P<0.05). There was no significant difference of score between TRs of 4000ms, 5000ms, 6000ms, 7000ms, 8000ms, and 9000ms(P>0.05)． There was no significant difference of CNR between TRs of 5000ms, 6000ms, 7000ms, 8000ms, and 9000ms(P>0．05)． Conclusion: It is the best choice for 3D heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR sialography on a Philips 1.5T unit using SENSE－FLEX－M coil and very long TR at the same time.
2008, Vol. 19 
