MR imaging of the adrenal glands: 1.5T versus 3T

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2007 Aug;15(3):365-72, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2007.06.008.

Abstract

MR imaging at 1.5T is considered the prime cross-sectional imaging modality for characterization of adrenal lesions. This is of utmost clinical importance, because non-functioning adenoma and adrenal metastasis are fairly common. The differentiation of these two tumor entities primarily is based on chemical shift imaging, also known as dual echo in-phase and opposed-phase imaging. At 3.0 T, the echo time pairs for in-phase and opposed-phase MR imaging need to be adjusted because the frequency difference is double that of standard 1.5T MR systems. Unfortunately, the acquisition of the first opposed-phase echo at 1.1 milliseconds and the first in-phase echo at 2.2 milliseconds within the same breath-hold requires unacceptably high receiver bandwidths at 3.0 T. Therefore, alternative data collection schemes have been implemented. This article reviews the current literature regarding adrenal imaging at 3.0 T with a focus on the chemical shift technique.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Echo-Planar Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*