Table 4.
Nodule detection rates in the initial analysis with the MRI sequences incoherent GRE (gradient echo), volume interpolated GRE, and UTE (ultrashort echo time) based on the size and the characteristics of the pulmonary nodules
| Detection rates | Incoherent GRE | Volume interpolated GRE | UTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size group based on the axial average diameter | |||
| 1–4 mm | 46.0% (29 of 63)* | 49.2% (31 of 63)* | 68.3% (43 of 63)* |
| 5–7 mm | 78.1% (25 of 32) | 78.1% (25 of 32) | 84.4% (27 of 32) |
| 8–10 mm | 81.8% (9 of 11) | 81.8% (9 of 11) | 90.9% (10 of 11) |
| > 10 mm | 100.0% (4 of 4) | 100.0% (4 of 4) | 100.0% (4 of 4) |
| Mediolateral location | |||
| Central | 41.9% (13 of 31) | 51.6% (16 of 31) | 61.3% (19 of 31) |
| Peripheral | 68.4% (54 of 79)* | 67.1% (53 of 79)* | 82.3% (65 of 79)* |
| Appearance | |||
| Solid | 67.1% (57 of 85)* | 69.4% (59 of 85)* | 78.8% (67 of 85)* |
| Subsolid | 40.0% (10 of 25)* | 40.0% (10 of 25)* | 68.0% (17 of 25)* |
| Margin | |||
| Smooth | 60.0% (36 of 60)* | 61.7% (37 of 60)* | 75.0% (45 of 60)* |
| Irregular | 62.0% (31 of 50)* | 64.0% (32 of 50)* | 78.0% (39 of 50)* |
| Presence of calcifications | |||
| Yes | 52.2% (12 of 23) | 47.8% (11 of 23) | 56.5% (13 of 23) |
| No | 63.2% (55 of 87)* | 66.7% (58 of 87)* | 81.6% (71 of 87)* |
McNemar tests evaluated differences between each of the GRE sequences in comparison to UTE images
*p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance