Postcontrast application of single breath-hold three-dimensional variable flip-angle fast spin-echo breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for evaluating the pancreaticobiliary ductal system
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a widely used noninvasive imaging technique for evaluating the pancreaticobiliary ductal system, but its image quality is often affected by respiratory motion and background signal. The purpose of this study was evaluating the performance of contrast-enhanced single breath-hold three-dimensional variable flip-angle fast spin-echo breath-hold MRCP (3D SPACE BH MRCP) in examining patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary disease, with a specific focus on the resulting image quality. Methods: Forty patients prospectively underwent pre- and postcontrast (intravenous gadolinium) 3D SPACE BH MRCP during the portal venous and equilibrium phases. Quantitative analysis measured signal intensity [common bile duct (CBD), liver, and background], signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and contrast ratio (CR). Two radiologists independently scored subjective image quality on a four-point scale. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and kappa statistics. Results: As compared to precontrast sequences, postcontrast sequences demonstrated significant reductions in liver signal (-12.77%; P<0.05) and background noise (-17.98%; P<0.05), with increased CR (+2.17%, P<0.05). CBD signal, SNR, and CNR showed no significant differences between precontrast and postcontrast sequences (P>0.05). Subjective scores indicated a preference for postcontrast images over precontrast ones (Z =-2.714; P=0.007). Interobserver agreement was excellent (precontrast: κ =0.76; postcontrast: κ =0.79; P<0.01). Conclusions: Postcontrast 3D SPACE BH MRCP acquired during the venous phase enhances background suppression and overall image quality without compromising biliary duct visualization, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy for pancreaticobiliary pathologies.
Authors: Bin Long, Yong Peng, Long Yin, Di Tian, Peng Deng, Hongfen Peng, Wei Zhang, Jiamin Kang
Institution: Wuhan No.1 Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125973955
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