TY  - JOUR
A1  - Wild, J. M.
A1  - Marshall, H.
A1  - Bock, M.
A1  - Schad, L. R.
A1  - Jakob, P. M.
A1  - Puderbach, M.
A1  - Molinari, F.
A1  - Van Beek, E. J. R.
A1  - Biederer, J.
T1  - MRI of the lung (1/3): methods
JF  - Insights into Imaging
N2  - Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently emerged as a clinical tool to image the lungs. This paper outlines the current technical aspects of MRI pulse sequences, radiofrequency (RF) coils and MRI system requirements needed for imaging the pulmonary parenchyma and vasculature. Lung MRI techniques are presented as a “technical toolkit”, from which MR protocols will be composed in the subsequent papers for comprehensive imaging of lung disease and function (parts 2 and 3). This paper is pitched at MR scientists, technicians and radiologists who are interested in understanding and establishing lung MRI methods. Images from a 1.5 T scanner are used for illustration of the sequences and methods that are highlighted.

Main Messages

• Outline of the hardware and pulse sequence requirements for proton lung MRI
• Overview of pulse sequences for lung parenchyma, vascular and functional imaging with protons
• Demonstration of the pulse-sequence building blocks for clinical lung MRI protocols
KW  - MRI
KW  - lung
KW  - proton
Y1  - 2012
U6  - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124238
VL  - 3
IS  - 4
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Biederer, J.
A1  - Beer, M.
A1  - Hirsch, W.
A1  - Wild, J.
A1  - Fabel, M.
A1  - Puderbach, M.
A1  - Van Beek, E. J. R.
T1  - MRI of the lung (2/3). Why … when … how?
JF  - Insights into Imaging
N2  - Background
Among the modalities for lung imaging, proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the latest to be introduced into clinical practice. Its value to replace X-ray and computed tomography (CT) when radiation exposure or iodinated contrast material is contra-indicated is well acknowledged: i.e. for paediatric patients and pregnant women or for scientific use. One of the reasons why MRI of the lung is still rarely used, except in a few centres, is the lack of consistent protocols customised to clinical needs.
Methods
This article makes non-vendor-specific protocol suggestions for general use with state-of-the-art MRI scanners, based on the available literature and a consensus discussion within a panel of experts experienced in lung MRI.
Results
Various sequences have been successfully tested within scientific or clinical environments. MRI of the lung with appropriate combinations of these sequences comprises morphological and functional imaging aspects in a single examination. It serves in difficult clinical problems encountered in daily routine, such as assessment of the mediastinum and chest wall, and even might challenge molecular imaging techniques in the near future.
Conclusion
This article helps new users to implement appropriate protocols on their own MRI platforms.

Main Messages

• MRI of the lung can be readily performed on state-of-the-art 1.5-T MRI scanners.
• Protocol suggestions based on the available literature facilitate its use for routine
• MRI offers solutions for complicated thoracic masses with atelectasis and chest wall invasion.
• MRI is an option for paediatrics and science when CT is contra-indicated
KW  - magnetic resonance imaging
KW  - lung
KW  - sequence imaging protocol
Y1  - 2012
U6  - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124268
VL  - 3
IS  - 4
ER  -