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Appropriate selection of MRI sequences for common scenarios in clinical practice

  • Pediatric Body MRI
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Abstract

Knowledge about sequence properties is essential to plan and acquire a diagnostic MRI examination. The broad four categories of sequences include spin echo (SE), gradient echo (GRE), inversion recovery (IR) and echoplanar imaging (EPI). Varieties of sequences from these four categories are available for clinical application. They have different contrast mechanisms, spatial and contrast resolution and speed of acquisition. Choice of sequence differs in various scenarios in clinical practice such as solid organ imaging, moving target imaging, bone and bone marrow imaging, cartilage imaging and vessel imaging, taking into consideration properties of sequences to answer the clinical question. Broad classification of sequences and differences in their contrast, spatial and contrast resolution, and speed of acquisition are discussed in this review. A few common clinical scenarios of MRI imaging are illustrated, along with reasons for the given sequence choices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children and Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Govind B. Chavhan

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  1. Govind B. Chavhan
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Correspondence to Govind B. Chavhan.

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The author has no financial interests, investigational or off-label uses to disclose.

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Chavhan, G.B. Appropriate selection of MRI sequences for common scenarios in clinical practice. Pediatr Radiol 46, 740–747 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-016-3556-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-016-3556-4

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