CT断层图像和三维重建在主动脉腔内隔绝术术前评估中的价值

目的比较CT断层图像和三维重建在主动脉腔内隔绝术术前评估中的价值。方法将接受主动脉腔内隔绝术的20例主动脉夹层瘤和12例腹主动脉瘤患者作为研究对象,术前分别在CT断层图像与三维重建图像上测量的各相关参数,与主动脉造影所测量的相同参数进行对照分析。结果CT断层图像上所测量的主动脉弓直径及各种长度指标均小于主动脉造影结果;夹层瘤近段主动脉直径及近端瘤颈直径、主动脉中段直径以及左右髂动脉直径均大于主动脉造影结果;三维重建所测量的上述各项参数与主动脉造影结果非常接近,并能清楚显示夹层分离的破裂口,而断层图像上不易发现破裂口;断层图像和三维重建在显示主动脉附壁血栓和测量最大瘤体直径方面优于主动脉造影。以三维重建测量为标准选择覆膜支架,所有患者均成功封闭瘤体。结论主动脉腔内隔绝术术前评估时应结合CT断层图像和三维重建图像综合分析,覆膜支架的选择应以三维重建测量结果为主。     

64层螺旋CT三维和二维图像在眼眶骨折诊断中的对比研究

目的:比较三维影像(3D)和二维影像(2D)在眼眶骨折诊断中的准确性,并探讨3D影像的临床价值。方法:对临床诊断有骨折的87例眼眶外伤患者行CT薄层扫描和3D影像重建,分析对比3D影像和2D影像的表现。结果:3D影像显示骨折线的走行方向、骨折范围、位置、类型及骨折块的移位等空间信息方面优于2D影像,3D影像对临床处理起着较明确的指导作用。但2D影像在发现细小骨折、深部结构骨折及骨壁菲薄处的骨折等方面优于3D影像。且3D影像是在2D影像的基础上重建的。结论:3D影像在对骨折的畸形表现等空间关系上具有优势,其临床价值大于2D影像。但2D影像仍是诊断眼眶骨折可靠的基本方式,两者结合应用,为最佳检查方法。     

评价喉部螺旋CT三维成像的临床应用价值

目的：研究喉部螺旋ＣＴ三维成像的临床应用价值。方法：１５例行喉部螺旋ＣＴ扫描。将容积扫描数据传送至ＧＥＳｕｎＳｐａｒｃ２０工作站,使用表面覆盖重建方法（ｓｈａｄｅｄｓｕｒｆａｃｅｄｉｓｐｌａｙ,ＳＳＤ）和内表面重建模式进行后处理,得到喉ＳＳＤ影像（ＳＳＤ－ｉｍ－ａｇｅ）和ＣＴ仿真喉镜（ＣＴｖｉｒｔｕａｌＬａｒｙｎｇｏｓｃｏｐｙＣＴＶＬ）。由两位放射科医生和一位耳鼻喉科医生分别对喉部螺旋ＣＴ轴位影像,喉ＳＳＤ影像,ＣＴ仿真喉镜（ＣＴＶＬ）的影像质量,提供诊断信息进行分析。结果：对喉部肿瘤的诊断,喉部螺旋ＣＴ轴位影像比三维成像提供更多的信息,但是,喉部三维成像直观地显示肿瘤侵犯上下范围,受到耳鼻喉科医生的高度评价。对于喉部炎症的诊断,ＣＴ仿真喉镜比ＣＴ轴位影像提供更多的信息。结论：将螺旋ＣＴ轴位影像,喉ＳＳＤ影像,ＣＴ仿真喉镜三种影像结合起来,可以提高诊断准确性,并且为临床提供更直观的影像,指导制定手术方案。     

MR imaging of the chest using a contrast-enhanced breath-hold modified three-dimensional gradient-echo technique: comparison with two-dimensional gradient-echo technique and multidetector CT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing MR imaging of the chest using a fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced modified three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo technique with a volumetric interpolated breath-hold (VIB) sequence compared with using a standard two-dimensional (2D) breath-hold gradient-echo technique. MR images obtained using both techniques were compared with multidetector CT (MDCT) scans. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Paired gadolinium-enhanced 2D gradient-echo and 3D gradient-echo VIB images were acquired in 15 consecutive patients with suspected intrathoracic abnormalities. MDCT scans were available for comparison in 12 patients. Two reviewers independently analyzed the MR images obtained using the two techniques for overall quality, the degree of artifacts, and visibility of mediastinal or parenchymal abnormalities. The detectability of lesions on the 3D gradient-echo VIB images and 2D gradient-echo images was compared with the detectability of lesions on CT scans obtained in nine patients. RESULTS: In all cases, the MR images obtained using the 3D gradient-echo technique with the VIB sequence were rated superior to those obtained using the 2D gradient-echo technique for quality, depiction of mediastinal structures, and clarity of pulmonary vessels and central airways. On the 3D gradient-echo VIB images, the degree of phase artifacts was lower (p < 0.001), but the degree of pixel graininess was higher (p < 0.05). Detectability, confidence and conspicuity levels, and marginal delineation of the pulmonary lesions were rated higher statistically on the 3D gradient-echo VIB images than on the 2D gradient-echo images. Of the 31 solid pulmonary abnormalities depicted on MDCT, 27 (87.1%) were detected on the 3D gradient-echo VIB images, and 21 (67.7%) were seen on the 2D gradient-echo images (p < 0.05). The 3D gradient-echo VIB images showed all 14 mediastinal lesions (100%) seen on MDCT, whereas the 2D gradient-echo images showed 12 (85.7%) of the 14 lesions (p > or = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gadolinium-enhanced modified 3D gradient-echo technique with the VIB sequence provides MR images that are superior in quality, have significantly fewer artifacts, and have a higher sensitivity for the detection of intrathoracic lesions compared with images obtained using the standard 2D gradient-echo technique.     

多普勒血流超声医学图像的动态三维重建

目的：将超声医学图像三维重建技术与多普勒血流成像技术结合起来，实现超声血流图的动态三维重建。方法：通过对多普勒血流图的彩色编码方式的研究，利用多普勒血流图中Color Bar的信息，解决了从原始多普勒血流图中分离解剖结构和功能信息的问题，实现了心腔内血流的动态三维重建及与心脏解剖结构的三维融合显像。结果：对临床人体实验获取的超声血流图像进行三维重建，所得重建图中，血流信息与解剖结构之间的相互关系正确，与心脏解剖生理情况相符，证明了方法的可行性和有效性。结论：结合超声医学图像三维重建技术和多普勒成像技术，实现超声医学图像功能三维重建，提供更多的医学信息，是超声医学成像技术的发展方向，具有巨大的应用前景。     

Preoperative 3D rendering of MR imaging in liver metastases

In 15 patients who were to undergo resection of hepatic metastases, three-dimensional (3D) images of the liver were rendered from axial T2-weighted MR images by a dedicated 3D workstation. This report assesses the utility of these images in preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance. In three patients, the preoperative 3D images convinced the surgeon of resectability. All patients had laparotomies and in 12 patients, in whom the liver lesions were evaluated, there was good to excellent spatial correlation. Intraoperatively, the 3D images aided the surgeon by allowing early detection of unresectability, by showing relationships of lesions to major vessels, and by directing the surgeon to lesions otherwise difficult to find. In two patients, the original MR images failed to show multiple small lesions, thus limiting the usefulness of the 3D images.     

Clinical comparison of three-dimensional MP-RAGE and FLASH techniques for MR imaging of the head.

Three-dimensional (3D) MP-RAGE (magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo) imaging was evaluated as a high-resolution 3D T1-weighted brain imaging technique for patients with suspected neurologic disease. Fourteen patients were studied. In five, 3D MP-RAGE images were compared with 3D FLASH (fast low-angle shot) images. Signal difference--to-noise ratios and T1 contrast were not statistically different for 3D MP-RAGE images as opposed to 3D FLASH images. Advantages intrinsic to the application of 3D MP-RAGE sequences include decreased imaging time and decreased motion artifact. With this technique, it is possible to perform a relatively motion-insensitive, T1-weighted screening brain study with voxel resolution of 1.0 x 1.4 x 2.0 mm or smaller, in an imaging time of 5.9 minutes or less--permitting offline (poststudy) reconstruction of high-resolution images in any desired plane.     

3-T imaging of the cochlear nerve and labyrinth in cochlear-implant candidates: 3D fast recovery fast spin-echo versus 3D constructive interference in the steady state techniques

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-resolution imaging of the internal auditory canal and labyrinth at 1.5 T is often performed by using three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo or T2* techniques. We evaluated both techniques at 3 T in the preoperative assessment of patients being considered for cochlear implants. METHODS: Sagittal 3D fast recovery fast spin-echo (FRFSE) and 3D constructive interference in the steady state (CISS) images were acquired in eight patients at 3.0 T by using dual surface coils. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) for the intracanalicular nerve and CSF were measured in the internal auditory canal. Two neuroradiologists reviewed the images to determine whether the techniques provided images of diagnostic quality. RESULTS: CNRs for 3D CISS were twice those obtained with 3D FRFSE. Both techniques provided images of diagnostic quality, though spurious signal intensity loss at the apex of the superior semicircular canals was encountered on 3D FRFSE images in four of eight patients. CONCLUSION: Both 3D FRFSE and 3D CISS provide high-resolution images of the internal auditory canal and labyrinth at 3.0 T. We predict that the superior CNRs obtained with 3D CISS will prove advantageous as we move to smaller fields of view at higher field strength.     

Rapid MR imaging of articular cartilage with steady-state free precession and multipoint fat-water separation

OBJECTIVE: To obtain high-quality high-resolution images of articular cartilage with reduced imaging time, we combined a novel technique of generalized multipoint fat-water separation with three-dimensional (3D) steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The cartilage of 10 knees in five healthy volunteers was imaged with 3D SSFP imaging and a multipoint fat-water separation method capable of separating fat and water with short TE increments. Fat-saturated 3D spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) images were obtained for comparison. RESULTS: High-quality images of the knee with excellent fat-water separation were obtained with 3D SSFP imaging. Total imaging time required was 58% less than that required for 3D SPGR imaging with a comparable cartilage signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. Unlike 3D SPGR images, 3D SSFP images exhibited bright synovial fluid, providing a potential arthrographic effect. CONCLUSION: High-quality high-resolution images of articular cartilage with improved fat-water separation, bright synovial fluid, and markedly reduced acquisition times can be obtained with 3D SSFP imaging combined with a fat-water separation technique.     

Three-dimensional display of 99mTc-MIBI myocardial scintigraphy]

One of 99mTc-hexakis, 99mTc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI), has been demonstrated to have a myocardial uptake proportional to regional coronary blood flow. In this study, 99mTc-MIBI myocardial scintigraphy were performed for 16 patients with ischemic heart disease. After injection of 740 MBq of 99mTc-MIBI, 64 projection images were collected during a 360-degree rotation. Three-dimensional (3D) display of the left ventricle was reconstructed with depth-shading method from 99mTc-MIBI SPECT images, which were reconstructed by filtered back projection method. In 9 of the patients, left ventricular cineangiography were performed as diagnostic gold standard. Four physicians blinded to patients' clinical informations interpreted 3D images and SPECT images on separate occasions. Diagnosis of hypoperfusion by 3D displays agreed with those of SPECT in 92.9% (104/112 segments), and disagreed in 7.1% (8 segments). Sensitivity and specificity of 3D images were 87.0 and 93.9%, which were not statistically different (p less than 0.05) from that of SPECT images (91.3, 97.0%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed nearly identical curves for the two. Although 3D display had nearly identical diagnostic ability with SPECT, observers reported that 3D images were easier to diagnose than SPECT images. An advantage of the 3D display is that the display gives a more realistic impression of the left ventricle to an observer than tomography or planar imaging. Another advantage is that 3D display can reduce the amount of data storage compared with that of SPECT. In conclusion, 3D images may be useful for diagnosis of hypoperfusion of left ventricle.     

Enhancement effects of hepatic dynamic MR imaging at 3.0 T and 1.5 T using gadoxetic acid in a phantom study: comparison with gadopentetate dimeglumine

To identify the optimum sequence at gadoxetic acid enhanced hepatic dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the arterial phase, we studied phantoms that contained gadoxetic acid or gadopentetate dimeglumine diluted in human blood. We obtained magnetic resonance images at 3.0 T and 1.5 T with one vendor (Siemens) using 3D‐gradient echo (GRE)‐, 2D‐fast low angle shot (FLASH)‐, and turbo spin echo sequences. Contrast ratio was highest for 3D‐GRE; at both 3.0 T and 1.5 T it was superior when the contrast agent was gadoxetic acid. With both gadoxetic acid and gadopentetate dimeglumine, contrast ratio peaked at around 5‐and 2 mmol/L on 3D‐GRE‐ and 2D‐FLASH images, respectively. Compared with gadopentetate dimeglumine, at 3.0 T, the peak contrast ratio of gadoxetic acid was 14.1% better on 3D‐GRE images and 14.0% better on 2D‐FLASH images; at 1.5 T it was 16.4% better on 3D‐GRE‐ and 5.7% better on 2D‐FLASH images. With respect to the magnetic field strength, at 3.0 T the peak contrast ratio of gadoxetic acid was 6.0% better than at 1.5 T on 3D‐GRE images and 49.5% better on 2D‐FLASH images; it was 8.5% better on 3D‐GRE‐ and 44.6% better on 2D‐FLASH images than when the contrast agent was gadopentetate dimeglumine. Thus, gadoxetic acid yielded better enhancement on 3D‐GRE images acquired at 3.0 T than at 1.5 T and enhancement was better than that obtained with gadopentetate dimeglumine at the same concentration. Magn Reson Med 66:213–218, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

三维CT成像在骨盆骨折治疗中的指导意义

目的：探讨三维ＣＴ成像在骨盆骨折治疗中的应用价值。方法：对８例骨盆骨折的三维ＣＴ图像进行分析,并与平片对照。结果：骨盆骨折三维图像再现了骨盆骨折的病理解剖全貌,三维骨盆正位、入口位和出口位像能显示半骨盆空间移位方式和旋转畸形。结论：骨盆骨折三维ＣＴ成像使术者更易理解复杂骨折的病理解剖关系,为制定手术计划提供有价值的信息。     

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensities are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR sequence

Objective

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVH), initially described on 2D FLAIR images, are a useful imaging marker in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of the 3D CUBE FLAIR sequence with 2D FLAIR for the detection of FVH.

Methods

Forty-seven consecutive patients admitted for a suspected stroke were explored by 2D and 3D CUBE FLAIR MR sequences at 1.5 and 3 T. Three blinded readers assessed FVH defined as hyperintensities within cerebral arteries. Location of FVH, acute brain infarct and arterial stenosis were also assessed. 2D images were compared with 3D images for the detection of FVH. Agreement between readers was assessed.

Results

Of the 47 patients, 21 FVHs were observed on 2D FLAIR images of 15 patients (11 with acute brain infarct and 11 with an arterial stenosis). No FVH was visualised on 3D CUBE FLAIR images for either proximal or distal locations. Agreement between readers was excellent.

Conclusion

FVHs are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR images. This study suggests that, in suspected acute ischaemic stroke, the assessment of FVH should only be performed on conventional 2D FLAIR images.

Key Points

? Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVH) are of neuroradiological importance. ? FVHs are useful imaging markers in patients with an acute ischaemic stroke. ? FVHs are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR images. ? Assessment of FVH should be performed on conventional 2D FLAIR images.     

An approach for three-dimensional visualization using high-resolution MRI of the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES: To visualize the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding tissues in detail utilizing high-resolution MR images for the diagnosis of soft- and hard-tissue abnormalities. Clinically routine MR slices are processed by tissue segmentation and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and viewed with visualization software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 1.5 T MRI system was used. The double-echo procedure for taking oblique sagittal images was applied to obtain both proton density-weighted (PDW) and T2 weighted (T2W) images simultaneously, with separate examinations in both open and closed mouth positions. Diagnosis of the abnormality in the placement and morphology of articular discs and the joint effusion status is usually performed using multiple MRI slices. Clinically routine continuous MR slices were processed by segmentation, reconstruction and visualization algorithms, and the mandibular condyle, fossa, articular disc and other intra-articular tissues were visualized on the 3D and two-dimensional (2D)-3D fusion images. RESULTS: In a clinical case, the anterior disc displacement without reduction, with mouth open and closed, was clearly depicted in the 3D images. Also 2D-3D superposed images with changeable tissue transparency successfully depicted the stereoscopic TMJ morphology in three dimensions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: High-resolution PDW- and T2W MR images could be processed by tissue segmentation and 3D-reconstruction procedures, and the resultant images showed the anatomical details in an easily recognizable way. By the simultaneous visualization of both bony surfaces and soft tissues, disc displacement and deformity can be recognized in a 3D context. The additional superposition of the 3D visualization with the original 2D MR slices allows for a combination with conventional diagnostics.     

Preliminary trial of three-dimensional water-excitation magnetization transfer contrast MR imaging of articular cartilage]

MR images of articular cartilage were evaluated with a three-dimensional (3D) water-excitation sequence (repetition time/echo time/flip angle = 28 msec/14 msec/20 degrees) with and without on-resonance magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) pulse in-vitro and in-vivo. 3D water-excitation images with MTC pulse showed a significantly higher contrast-to-noise ratio between normal saline or joint effusion and articular cartilage than images without MTC pulse. In 2 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, joint effusion showed higher signal intensity than cartilage (arthrogram-like effect) on 3D water-excitation MTC images. The contrast between joint effusion and articular cartilage on 3D water-excitation MTC images was similar to that on fat-suppressed 2D protondensity-weighted fast spin echo images. In conclusion, 3D water-excitation MTC imaging is a promising method by which to evaluate articular cartilage in osteoarthritis and cartilage defect with thin sections and a reasonable scan time.     

Comparison of septal defects in 2D and 3D echocardiography using active contour models

Three-dimensional ultrasound is emerging as a viable resource for the imaging of internal organs. Quantitative studies correlating ultrasonic volume measurements with MRI data continue to validate this modality as a more efficient alternative for 3D imaging studies. However, the processing required to form 3D images from a set of 2D images may result in a loss of spatial resolution and may give rise to artifacts. This paper examines a method of automatic feature extraction and data quantification in 3D data sets as compared with original 2D data. This work will implement an active contour algorithm to automatically extract the endocardial borders of septal defects in echocardiographic images, and compare the size of the defects in the original 2D images and the 3D data sets.     

Two- versus three-dimensional dual gradient-echo MRI of the liver: a technical comparison

Objective

To compare 2D spoiled dual gradient-echo (SPGR-DE) and 3D SPGR-DE with fat and water separation for the assessment of focal and diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver.

Methods

A total of 227 consecutive patients (141 men; 56?±?14 years) underwent clinically indicated liver MRI at 1.5 T including multiple-breath-hold 2D SPGR-DE and single-breath-hold 3D SPGR-DE with automatic reconstruction of fat-only images. Two readers assessed the image quality and number of fat-containing liver lesions on 2D and 3D in- and opposed-phase (IP/OP) images. Liver fat content (LFC) was quantified in 138 patients without chronic liver disease from 2D, 3D IP/OP, and 3D fat-only images.

Results

Mean durations of 3D and 2D SPGR-DE acquisitions were 23.7?±?2.9 and 97.2?±?9.1 s respectively. The quality of all 2D and 3D images was rated diagnostically. Three-dimensional SPGR-DE revealed significantly more breathing artefacts resulting in lower image quality (P?<?0.001); 2D and 3D IP/OP showed a similar detection rate of fat-containing lesions (P?=?0.334) and similar LFC estimations (mean: +0.4 %; P?=?0.048). LFC estimations based on 3D fat-only images showed significantly higher values (mean: 2.7 % + 3.5 %) than those from 2D and 3D IP/OP images (P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Three dimensional SPGR-DE performs as well as 2D SPGR-DE for the assessment of focal and diffuse fatty infiltration of liver parenchyma. The 3D SPGR-DE sequence used was quicker but more susceptible to breathing artefacts. Significantly higher LFC values are derived from 3D fat-only images than from 2D or 3D IP/OP images.

Key Points

? Magnetic resonance imaging can assess focal and diffuse hepatic fatty infiltration ? Both 2D and 3D dual-echo MRI techniques can be used for chemical shift imaging of the liver. ? The single breath-hold 3D dual-echo technique is faster but more susceptible to breathing artefacts. ? Three-dimensional fat-only images show higher fat estimates than in- and out-of-phase images.     

电子束CT内镜结肠模拟息肉的实验研究

目的：评价电子束ＣＴ模拟内镜探查猪息肉模型的敏感性。材料和方法：取长１５ｃｍ—２５ｃｍ的猪结肠制做３ｍｍ、７ｍｍ、１０ｍｍ直径大小的息肉模型；分别使结肠纵轴与扫描架成０，４５和９０进行扫描，评价二维和三维图象显示息肉的敏感性。结果：１０ｍｍ直径的息肉三维图象和二维图象均能清晰显示，３ｍｍ直径息肉三维较二维显示更清晰（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论：ＣＴ模拟内窥镜有助于发现小的息肉病变     

Bone comparison identification method based on chest computed tomography imaging

The aim of this study is to examine the usefulness of bone structure extracted data from chest computed tomography (CT) images for personal identification. Eighteen autopsied cases (12 male and 6 female) that had ante- and post-mortem (AM and PM) CT images were used in this study. The two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) bone images were extracted from the chest CT images via thresholding technique. The similarity between two thoracic bone images (consisting of vertebrae, ribs, and sternum) acquired from AMCT and PMCT images was calculated in terms of the normalized cross-correlation value (NCCV) in both 2D and 3D matchings. An AM case with the highest NCCV corresponding to a given PM case among all of the AM cases studied was regarded as same person. The accuracy of identification of the same person using our method was 100% (18/18) in both 2D and 3D matchings. The NCCVs for the same person tended to be significantly higher than the average of NCCVs for different people in both 2D and 3D matchings. The computation times of image similarity between the two images were less than one second and approximately 10 min in 2D and 3D matching, respectively. Therefore, 2D matching especially for thoracic bones seems more advantageous than 3D matching with regard to computation time. We conclude that our proposed personal identification method using bone structure would be useful in forensic cases.     

MR cholangiopancreatography: value of axial and coronal fast Spin-Echo fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences

OBJECTIVE: To compare axial and coronal fast Spin-Echo fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences with three-dimensional (3D) maximum intensity projection (MIP) images in patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed in 108 consecutive patients with a non-breath-hold, fat-suppressed, 2D, heavily T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence in coronal plane. Axial T1- and T2-weighted images were previously obtained. In addition, 3D reconstructions of the coronal images were analysed separately by using a MIP algorithm. Both two-dimensional (2D) (axial and coronal) and 3D MIP images were separately evaluated by two readers in conference and their results were compared with that of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiography, surgery and/or imaging follow-up. Statistical analysis of 2D and 3D MRCP images in diagnosing the level and probable cause of pancreaticobiliary obstruction were separately calculated. RESULTS: 106/108 of MRCP examinations were judged diagnostic by the two reviewers for adequacy of visualisation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and global diagnostic accuracy of 2D (axial and coronal) and 3D MRCP images in diagnosing the pancreaticobiliary obstruction were 94 and 57%,, 95 and 93%, 97 and 92%, 91 and 60%, 94 and 72% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results do indicate a higher global accuracy for axial and coronal fast Spin-Echo fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences versus 3D MIP images in diagnosis of the level and probable cause of pancreaticobiliary obstruction and stress the limitations of 3D images in depiction of small intraductal pathology such as calculi and biliary neoplastic.