ABSTRACT
The first application of a double coil for routine MR mammography is described: by this method it is possible to examine both breasts simultaneously. This is important in order to halve the time of the examination and to allow comparison of the two breasts during dynamic contrast studies. The reduction in signal-to-noise ratio, compared with a single coil and flow artifacts of the heart do not interfere with diagnosis. The axillary region is better shown than with a single coil. Examination of 22 patients with subsequent histological control has shown that the information about signal increase after the injection of Gd-DTPA obtained from single coil can be applied equally to the double coil.
Subject(s)
Breast/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/instrumentation , Mammography/instrumentation , Axilla/pathology , Contrast Media , Female , Gadolinium , Gadolinium DTPA , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Mammography/methods , Organometallic Compounds , Pentetic Acid , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A switchable-array surface coil for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the spine has been built that enables the user to change the working size of the coil depending on the volume of interest. The prototype has achieved similar image quality to that obtained with conventional coils of equal size. This type of antenna may reduce the number of individual coils necessary for a high-quality MR imaging study.
