Fast and high-resolution MR sialography using a small surface coil

Purpose: To establish a fast and high-resolution MR sialographic technique that provides fast and high-resolution imaging. Materials and Methods: MR sialography was performed on a 1.5-T MR imager using a small (47-mm) surface coil. We determined appropriate sequence parameters, and then applied the technique to the salivary glands of 143 patients with xerostomia (including those with Sjogren's syndrome or hyperlipidemia) or salivary gland inflammation. We compared the high-resolution MR sialography with conventional x-ray sialography in the patients with xerostomia to evaluate the effectiveness of the MR sialography technique. Results: We found that a single-shot, single-slice MR sialography (TR/TR/number of signal acquisitions [NSA] = 8000 msec/ 1000 msec/6) using a small surface coil provides excellent duct images that are clinically feasible with fast (imaging time of 56 seconds) and high-resolution images. An alternative three-dimensional MR sialography technique provided better details of the branches at the expense of imaging time. The MR sialography technique using a small surface coil depicted effectively the ductal changes in the salivary glands in patients with or without Sjogren's syndrome, reflecting the severity of the diseases. Conclusion: We conclude that MR sialography can be performed using a fast and high-resolution sequence.