Technical Implementation and Experience in Pulmonary Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Thien Nhan Medical Center, Da Nang

Abstract

Objectives: 1.To present experiences related to patient preparation before lung MRI to achieve optimal image quality. 2. To describe technical optimization protocols for specific patient groups and derive practical insights from lung MRI procedures at Thien Nhan Da Nang.
Methods: The study was conducted on 135 patients undergoing lung MRI from June 2022 to June 2024 at Thien Nhan Da Nang using a 3.0T Lumina MRI system (Siemens). Prior to imaging, patients received
psychological preparation and breathing technique training ("inhale - hold breath"). Technicians and physicians analyzed images from each case to evaluate pulse sequences, document acceptable parameters, and apply them to similar cases. Suboptimal cases underwent protocol adjustments and retesting, with additional breathing training provided for noncompliant patients. Data from lung MRI cases were collected and analyzed to establish standardized protocols, improve image quality, and reduce failure rates.
Results: The failure rate decreased significantly from 35% during June 2022 - June 2023 to 4% during June 2023 - June 2024, while the number of high-quality scans increased by 1.5 times. Scan duration ranged
from 8-12 minutes for standard protocols and 10-15 minutes with contrast administration. Proper psychological preparation and breathing training were crucial factors in improving image quality. Protocol parameter optimization included: increasing concatenations, selecting appropriate slices/slices per slab, and reducing TR to match patients' breath-holding capacity. Specialized pulse sequences (BLADE combined with triggering) were employed for non-compliant patients to enhance image quality.
Conclusion: Lung MRI has gained increasingly widespread application due to its advantages of being radiation-free and improvements in signal intensity, resolution, acquisition speed, and contrast. It is
particularly effective for pediatric patients, pregnant women, and patients with contrast media allergies. Key factors for increasing success rates, reducing scan time, and ensuring diagnostic image quality include breathhold training, flexible parameter adjustment, and free-breathing techniques with motion-resistant sequences.