T-1 weighted sequences for hepatic mri: Re-evaluation using a phased array coil

The purpose of this study was to compare three T1-weighted sequences for hepatic magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging with the use of a body phased array coil. Three different T1-weighted MR sequences were compared: a conventional spin echo (CSE); half-Fourier spin echo (HFSE), and a gradient recalled echo (GRE). Three independent reviewers compared the sequences both quantitatively and qualitatively. The T1-weighted GRE sequence scored highest for overall image quality (p < 0.001), lesion conspicuity , and yielded the highest contrast to noise (C/N) values. GRE T1-weighted images are the best for hepatic MRI.