MRI of the lung using the PROPELLER technique: Artifact reduction, better image quality and improved nodule detection

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the benefit of the PROPELLER technique (Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction, MultiVane, MV) for MR imaging of the lung. Materials and Methods 30 Participants of a lung cancer screening program were recruited for the comparison of T2-MV and T2-Fast Spin Echo (FSE) sequences at 1.5T. Two readers evaluated artifacts, image quality, and pulmonary lesions. Artifacts and image quality were rated using a four-point scale. Lesion detection was correlated to low-dose computed tomography (CT). Wilcoxon rank-test for ratings of artifacts and image quality, sensitivity and specificity values for lesion detection, and Cohen’s kappa for inter-rater agreement were used. Results The MV sequence showed less pulsation and motion artifacts, and higher image quality ( p  = 0.001 for R1, p  = 0.002 for R2) than FSE ( p 8 mm as seen on CT. For R1 and R2, the MV sequence allowed for higher detection rates of pulmonary lesions 8 mm were detected with a sensitivity of 100% by both readers on both MV and FSE images. For both readers, specificity for larger lesions was higher on MV images with 100% compared to 96%. Conclusion The superior image quality and the very robust artifact reduction make MV a promising technique for MRI of the lung compared to FSE, especially since it is not requiring breathholds. Moreover, MV allows for improved lesion detection.