Reduction in Artifacts in the Liver at 3T Using a 3D T2-Weighted Variable Flip-Angle Sequence (SPACE)

Andrew Brian Rosenkrantz¹, Jignesh M. Patel¹, James S. Babb¹, Pipps Storey¹, Elizabeth M. Hecht¹

A 3D T2-weighted variable flip-angle TSE sequence (SPACE) using a respiratory-navigated acquisition was performed of the liver at 3T in 20 patients. Compared with a 2D T2W TSE sequence, SPACE demonstrated significantly improved vessel sharpness, flow signal suppression, fat signal suppression, ghosting, pulsation, and motion artifact. There was a trend toward increased dielectic effect with SPACE. In a side by side comparison of the two sequences, two readers both had a slight preference for SPACE. There was no significant difference in SNR of the liver and kidney. We conclude that image quality was overall improved with SPACE.