Fundamentals of MRI Learned from Cases : Useful Sequences for Abdominal Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging can enhance the specificity of imaging diagnoses owing to its high contrast and resolution, surpassing the advantages of computed tomography, which is characterized by high spatial resolution. However, because of the various imaging techniques available, understanding the characteristics of each imaging method and signals produced by each method is essential for making accurate diagnoses. This study outlines the fundamental imaging sequences necessary for evaluating hepatic focal lesions mentioned in imaging diagnostic guidelines (T1-weighted, chemical shift, fat-suppressed T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging) and imaging sequences that contribute to the qualitative diagnosis of the upper abdomen (particularly the liver), such as heavy T2-weighted imaging and the 6-point Dixon method. This study focuses on non-contrast images and provides essential foundational knowledge based on actual cases.