Utility of three dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE) sequences in MR sialographic sequences: model and volunteer studies

• Published in: Oral diseases Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 35 - 43
• Main Authors: Morimoto, Y, Tanaka, T, Kito, S, Tominaga, K, Yoshioka, I, Yamashita, Y, Shibuya, T, Matsufuji, Y, Kodama, M, Takahashi, T, Fukuda, J, Ohba, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Munksgaard International Publishers 01-01-2005
• Subjects: 3D-FASE sequences; Adolescent; Adult; Dentistry; Echo-Planar Imaging - methods; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; magnetic resonance sialography; Male; Middle Aged; Parotid Gland - anatomy & histology; Phantoms, Imaging; Salivary Ducts - anatomy & histology; salivary glands; virtual endoscopy
• ISSN: 1354-523X; 1601-0825
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2004.01052.x

Objectives:  To evaluate the utility of 3D‐FASE for the visualization of salivary gland ducts for use in MR sialographic sequences.
Methods:  We compared MR sialographic images and virtual endoscopic views from 3D‐FASE with those from three kinds of sequences described by previous reports in a 3D parotid gland duct model and volunteer. The four sequences were two‐dimension fast spin‐echo (2D‐FSE), three‐dimension fast spin‐echo (3D‐FSE), two‐dimension fast asymmetric spin‐echo (2D‐FASE), and three‐dimension fast asymmetric spin‐echo (3D‐FASE).
Results:  In the 3D parotid gland duct model, image visibility on visual score was clearest with 3D‐FSE, followed by 3D‐FASE (P = 0.028). In the volunteers, the visualization of images improved in the following order: 3D‐FASE > 3D‐FSE > 2D‐FSE > 2D‐FASE.
Conclusions:  The technique of 3D‐FASE sequencing is more suitable and useful for MR sialography with an appropriate acquisition time.