Ultra-short echo time (UTE) MR imaging: A brief review on technical considerations and clinical applications

Abstract

Background

With the availability of MRI sequences with ultrashort echo times (UTE sequences), a signal can be gained from tissue, which was formerly only indirectly accessible. While already extensively employed in various research settings, the widespread transition of UTE imaging to clinical practice is just starting.

Methods

Based on a systematic literature search as well as knowledge gained through annual participation in conferences dedicated to advances in MRI, this review aims to give a brief overview of technical considerations and challenges of UTE imaging and summarizes the major areas of application of UTE imaging.

Results

UTE is already employed in clinical practice for structural lung imaging as well as the characterization of tissue composition and its alterations in selected musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurodegenerative diseases. In specific contexts it can replace CT examinations with ionizing radiation and is especially attractive for pediatric patients and longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and treatment.

Conclusion

UTE imaging provides an interesting and very valuable tool for various clinical purposes and promises a multitude of new insights into tissue properties. While some challenges remain, ongoing adoption in the clinical routine can be expected, as UTE approaches provide a new contrast and capture a signal in tissue formerly invisible on MR imaging.

Key Points

• UTE imaging gains relevance in clinical settings

• UTE imaging is employed for the characterization of tissue composition and its alterations in selected musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurodegenerative diseases

• UTE imaging is employed in the clinical routine for structural lung imaging

• UTE imaging promises a multitude of new insights into tissue properties

Citation Format

• Slawig A, Rothe M, Deistung A et al. Ultra-short echo time (UTE) MR imaging: A brief review on technical considerations and clinical applications. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 671 – 681

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Mit der Verfügbarkeit von MRT-Sequenzen mit Ultrakurzzeit-Echos (UTE-Sequenzen) wird die direkte Bildgebung von Gewebeanteilen möglich, die bisher nur indirekt als dunkle Region im Kontrast zu hellen Strukturen zugänglich waren. Während die UTE-Bildgebung in der Forschung bereits in großem Umfang eingesetzt wird, steht der Übergang in die klinische Praxis noch am Anfang.

Methoden

Basierend auf einer systematischen Literaturrecherche sowie Erkenntnissen, die durch die jährliche Teilnahme an Konferenzen zu Fortschritten in der MRT gewonnen wurden, soll dieses Review einen kurzen Überblick über die technischen Überlegungen und Herausforderungen der UTE-Bildgebung geben und die wichtigsten Anwendungsbereiche zusammenfassen, in denen diese bereits Einzug gehalten hat.

Ergebnisse

UTE-Bildgebung wird bereits in der Klinik zur strukturellen Lungenbildgebung sowie zur Charakterisierung der Gewebezusammensetzung und ihrer Veränderungen bei ausgewählten Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparats, des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems oder bei neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen eingesetzt. Unter bestimmten Rahmenbedingungen kann es strahlungsintensive CT-Untersuchungen ersetzen und ist besonders attraktiv für pädiatrische Patienten und die Langzeitüberwachung von Krankheitsverläufen und Behandlungen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die UTE-Bildgebung ist ein vielversprechendes Verfahren für verschiedene klinische Zwecke und verspricht eine Vielzahl neuer Erkenntnisse zu Gewebeeigenschaften. Auch wenn noch einige Herausforderungen zu bewältigen sind, ist eine fortschreitende Etablierung der UTE-Bildgebung in der klinischen Routine abzusehen, da sie einen neuen Bildkontrast bietet und Signale im Gewebe erfassen kann, die der MR-Bildgebung bisher verschlossen geblieben sind.

Kernaussagen

• UTE-Bildgebung gewinnt an Relevanz im klinischen Umfeld.

• UTE-Bildgebung wird zur Charakterisierung der Gewebezusammensetzung und deren Veränderungen bei ausgewählten muskuloskelettalen, kardiovaskulären oder neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen eingesetzt.

• UTE-Bildgebung wird in der Klinik zur strukturellen Lungenbildgebung eingesetzt.

• UTE-Bildgebung verspricht eine Vielzahl neuer Erkenntnisse über Gewebeeigenschaften.

Keywords

MR-imaging - UTE - quantitative imaging - ultrashort echo time

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 13. Juni 2023

Angenommen: 26. September 2023

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
23. November 2023

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