Stomach duodenum magnetic resonance tomography

Abstract

MRI has become an important imaging method for the detection and characterization of diseases of the stomach and duodenum (Martin and Semelka 2000; Marcos and Semelka 1999; Cronin et al. 2008, 2009; Kuehle et al. 2006; Marcos et al. 1999; Martin et al. 2005; Semelka et al. 1991). Comprehensive examination of the stomach and duodenum can be achieved by the combined use of T2-weighted single-shot and breath-hold 2-dimensional (2D) or 3D T1-weighted gradient echo (GRE), with and without fat suppression, and gadolinium-enhanced 3D GRE. Manufacturer-specific terms for 3D GRE include VIBE [volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination], FAME [fast-acquisition multi-echo], LAVA [liver acquisition with volume acceleration], and THRIVE [T1-weighted high resolution isotropic volume examination] (Martin et al. 2005; Semelka et al. 1991) (Figs. 19.1 and 19.2). Using these sequences, a set of images encompassing most of the abdomen, which includes the stomach and duodenum, can be obtained in 20 s or less scan time. These techniques minimize artifacts from bowel motion, facilitate detection of peritoneal and serosal disease by removing high signal of intraabdominal fat, expand the dynamic range of abdominal tissue signal intensities, and distinguish between intraluminal bowel contents and bowel wall (Semelka et al. 1991).