Comparative evaluation of non-contrast CAIPIRINHA-VIBE 3T-MRI and multidetector CT for detection of pulmonary nodules: In vivo evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and image quality

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, subjective image quality, and interobserver agreement of non-contrast Controlled Aliasing In Parallel Imaging Results In Higher Acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of pulmonary nodules with intra-individual comparison to computed tomography (CT). Materials and methods We evaluated 54 patients (27 male, 27 female; mean age, 60.8 ± 11.5 years) who prospectively underwent thoracic 3T-MRI using CAIPIRINHA-VIBE sequences and chest CT. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of lung nodules on CAIPIRINHA-VIBE MRI by three independent observers were compared to the reference standard CT. Subjective image quality was rated using a 5-point grading scale. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated and interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Sensitivity of 3T-MRI for the detection of pulmonary lesions compared to CT was 88.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.93) and specifity was 79.1% (95% CI: 0.50–0.95). Sensitivity for lesions 10 mm was 100%. Observer ratings regarding subjective image quality were good to excellent for 3T-MRI (1.54) and CT (1.14) with almost perfect interobserver agreement for 3T-MRI and CT (ICC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78–0.89; ICC = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.94). Conclusions Non-contrast CAIPIRINHA-VIBE 3T-MRI allows for the reliable detection of pulmonary lesions with a diameter >5 mm in comparison with chest CT with high diagnostic accuracy, subjective image quality, and interobserver agreement.