Value of ultrashort echo time MRI in pulmonary nodules detection and Lung-RADS grading

Motivation: Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI is a promising alternative to CT for detection and follow-up of pulmonary nodules. Goal(s): To investigate the efficacy of UTE-MRI for pulmonary nodule detection and Lung-RADS grading. Approach: Using standard-dose chest CT as gold standard, the capability of UTE-MRI for lung nodule detection, nodule type evaluation, and Lung-RADS grading were investigated. Results: There were 40 pulmonary nodules detected by CT and 37 by UTE-MRI. There's good agreement between CT and UTE-MRI in nodule type evaluation (Κ=0.757), nodule average diameters measurement (p=0.137, t=1.521), and Lung-RADS classification (Κ=0.923). Impact: UTE now rivals the 'gold standard' chest CT scan in the detection rate of pulmonary nodules and the ability to clearly display their morphological characteristics; it also shows a high degree of consistency in the Lung-RADS grading assessment.