Pre- and post-contrast hand MRI Protocol(arthritis MRI protocol)

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Indications: characterize and follow-up inflammatory arthritides in the hands and wrists. 

Sequences: scan through each hand/wrist separately, using the wrist coil. 

·        Coronal T1 spin echo

·        Coronal 2-D FLASH with fat saturation

·        Coronal ‘gray’ STIR

·        Coronal post-Gadolinium T1 spin echo with fat saturation. 

Comments:

·        If both hand/wrists are ordered, schedule as 2 separate exams. 

·        Use 3 mm slice thickness for all sequences.

·        Reference: Schoellnast et al. AJR 2006; 187: 351-357. 

Dictation template:

Coronal T1 and ‘gray’ STIR, 2-D FLASH with fat saturation.  After the administration of 0.1-0.4 mmol/kg of intravenous Gadolinium contrast (up to 20 mL), coronal T1 spin echo with fat saturation images acquired through the hand and wrist.