This clinical example compares a conventional axial T2 STIR bilateral breast MRI acquisition with an accelerated acquisition reconstructed with SwiftMR.
The image was acquired on a 3T Philips Ingenia CX.
Sequence Comparison
| Acquisition | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional acquisition | 4:25 | 2 signal averages |
| SwiftMR acquisition | 1:36 | 1 signal average |
| Time reduction | 64% faster | Nearly three minutes saved on one sequence |
The accelerated acquisition reduced the number of signal averages from 2 to 1, while maintaining the same TE, TI, TR, slice thickness, FOV, and coil.
Reconstructed Matrix and Voxel Size
| Acquisition | Matrix | Reconstructed Voxel Size |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 432 × 432 | 0.79 × 0.79 × 3.0 mm |
| SwiftMR | 704 × 704 | 0.48 × 0.48 × 3.0 mm |
The educational question is not only whether the sequence is faster. It is whether clinically relevant breast MRI detail remains accessible at the shorter acquisition time.
Areas to Evaluate
This comparison provides an opportunity to evaluate:
- Fat suppression consistency
- Edema visualization
- Lesion margin visibility
- Nodal detail
- Overall image sharpness
Because both images were acquired using the same scanner, coil, slice thickness, FOV, and core sequence parameters, the comparison allows radiologists to assess how SwiftMR reconstruction affects image quality and clinically relevant breast MRI detail at a shorter acquisition time.
Clinical Considerations
When reviewing breast MRI, T2 STIR image quality can support assessment of edema, lesion margins, nodal regions, background signal, and overall anatomic detail.
T2-weighted breast MRI can provide clinically relevant information beyond morphology, including edema-related findings that may support breast lesion assessment.
For imaging teams, reducing acquisition time from 4:25 to 1:36 may also reduce time prone and limit the opportunity for late-exam motion.
This example highlights how accelerated breast T2WI STIR MRI reconstructed with SwiftMR can be evaluated for both image quality and workflow relevance.
Image Details
| Scanner | 3T Philips Ingenia CX |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Axial T2 STIR bilateral breast MRI |
| Conventional Acquisition Time | 4:25 |
| SwiftMR Acquisition Time | 1:36 |
| Time Reduction | 64% faster |
| Signal Averages | 2 reduced to 1 |
| Conventional Matrix | 432 × 432 |
| SwiftMR Matrix | 704 × 704 |
| Conventional Reconstructed Voxel Size | 0.79 × 0.79 × 3.0 mm |
| SwiftMR Reconstructed Voxel Size | 0.48 × 0.48 × 3.0 mm |
Comparison:
- Conventional acquisition
- Accelerated acquisition with SwiftMR reconstruction
Note: Images may not be in the exact same position due to patient breathing or motion.
Image courtesy of Dohhun Gwon.
Learn More
Explore the AIRS Medical clinical image gallery.
For additional clinical examples or protocol discussions, contact Keaur Patel, BA, R.T.(R)(MR)(ARRT), Director of Customer Success.