Enhanced 3D Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography with Fast Gradient and Spin Echo Sequence: Technical Advancements and Clinical Implications

Objective: The application of fast gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequence in 3D magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was investigated. Methods: Sixty patients who underwent 3D MRCP examination using the Philips Ingenia 3.0T superconducting MR imaging system and a 32-channel phased array direct digital RF receiving coil in the hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected. The acquisition times of the two sequences were compared, and the scanned images of the two sequences were subjectively and objectively evaluated, with the scanning sequence including turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence and GRASE sequence. Results: The display scores, image artifact scores, and overall image quality scores of the GRASE sequence on the common bile duct, gallbladder duct, main pancreatic duct, left and right hepatic ducts were higher than those of the TSE sequence, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The acquisition time of GRASE sequence was 16 seconds, which was about 96% shorter than that of TSE sequence (399.06±84.53) seconds. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of the GRASE sequence was higher than that of the TSE sequence, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); The signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the GRASE sequence was slightly higher than that of the TSE sequence, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of the GRASE sequence in 3D MRCP examinations can improve image quality, shorten acquisition time, and ensure CNR.