The fast spin echo (FSE) technique leads to time saving by individual phase coding of several spin echoes within one repetition interval. The new sequencing was compared quantitatively and qualitatively with conventional spin echo sequences in 30 patients with gynaecological pelvic disease. The signal-to-noise ratio was higher on FSE images in all tissues but to a variable degree. This led to an increased contrast-to-noise ratio, particularly between fat and solid structures, and to a reduction in the contrast between fat and fluid. Artifacts were reduced in FSE sequences leading to improved image quality in 83% and increased diagnostic information in 10%. This is of particular advantage when using time consuming T2-weighted sequences, which are necessary for the examination of the female pelvis.