Table 1.

Technical hallmarks and limitations of metal-suppression sequences

Sequence	Hallmarks	Limitations
MARS	• Increased section-select • Increased bandwidth • Thin section selection • Longer echo trains closer echo spacing • Larger image matrix	Incomplete in-plane distortion
WARP	• Introduce multidirectional VAT to reduce field inhomogeneities	Blurring of images
SEMAC	• Third-dimensional phase encoding (Z-phase encoding) • Reconstruction algorithms to minimize through-section distortion	Increased time of acquisition
MAVRIC	• Frequency-selective excitations • Multiple multidirectional VATs • Computational post-processing • Conventional three-dimensional readout to decrease in-plane artifacts	Extra-acquisition time and higher SAR

VAT view angle tilting, SAR specific absorption rate