Aims and objectives
Over the years the MRCP techniques have been differentiated.
In the most basic technique,
heavily Τ2W sequences,
that allow the visualization of pancreatic fluids and bile with a high signal intensity are used.
The introduction of more sensitive coils,
parallel imaging technique and MR scanners with higher magnetic field intensity have contributed in the further improvement of SNR and generally the improvement of the image quality with overall shorter acquisition time [3].
In addition,
the use of hepatobiliary contrast media and secretin,
recently,
enabled the...
Methods and materials
The performance of the study was made possible by developing an appropriate questionnaire (fig.
1) consisting of 3 parts with a total of 10 questions.
The questionnaire was shared in public and private facilities in Athens,
while the research did not include paediatric hospitals.
The questionnaire was in a printed and electronic form.
The electronic form was available on the social media (via Facebook) of the Hellenic Association of Radiologic Technologists.
The first part of the questionnaire,
the general one,
concerned equipment-related questions,
such as...
Results
The results of our research came from 28 public and private facilities.
Regarding,
the general part of the questionnaire,
75% of participants perform MRCP at 1,5 Τ MR system and all of them use body coil for MRCP implementation.
Oral contrast media is administrated,
prior the examination,
only by 21,6% of the participants.
60% of them were administrating pineapple juice,
while 20% were administrating pineapple juice or/and 1 ml Omniscan and 20% were administering ferum.
The second part,
was concerned with the main protocol that...
Conclusion
The main MRCP protocol in Greek hospitals and private facilities includes Τ2W SSFSE thin slice or/and thick slab and T2W 3D FSE sequences.
In addition to the basic protocol,
other sequences such as 2D T2W FSE,
T1W spoiled GE in phase / out phase,
fully rewound GE,
DWI,
FSE variable flip angle and Driven equilibrium FSE are used.
Furthermore,
the majority does not administrate oral contrast media before the examination,
which reduces the signal intensity of overlapping fluid.
After performing a t-test,
the null hypothesis...
References
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Diagnostic Value of T1-Weighted Gradient-Echo In-Phase Images Added to MRCP in Differentiation of Hepatolithiasis and Intrahepatic Pneumobilia.
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