Appendicitis Protocol

Information for Scheduling the Exam

1. No patient preparation is needed.
2. No oral contrast is needed.
3. For pregnant patients, no intravenous gadolinium is needed.
4. Informed consent is required before scanning pregnant patients.

Information for MRI Technologists

Background

1. Obtaining the proper slice thickness with single shot T2 weighted sequences is a key component of the exam. Proper slice thickness without gaps between images allows optimal tracking of the appendix on contiguous images.
2. Images need to be checked by the supervising radiologist before sending the patient.

Pulse Sequences- PHILIPS

1. BFFE survey

2. Axial SS-TSE

a. TE~200; 5 mm slice thickness at 4 mm increments with 1 mm overlap

3. Coronal SS-TSE

a. TE~200; 5 mm slice thickness at 4 mm increments with 1 mm overlap

4. Sagittal SS-TSE

a. TE~200; 5 mm slice thickness at 4 mm increments with 1 mm overlap

5. Axial Dual FFE

a. TE 2.3 and 4.6; 6 mm slice thickness with 1 mm interslice gap

6. Coronal SPAIR-SS-TSE

a. TE~100; 5 mm slice thickness at 4 mm increments with 1 mm overlap

7. Axial SPAIR SS-TSE

a. TE~100; 5 mm slice thickness at 4 mm increments with 1 mm overlap

8. Axial eTHRIVE precontrast

a. 2.2 mm slice thickness, overcontiguous; 12 degree flip angle

· IV Contrast: Gadavist, dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. (Note: For pregnant patients, IV contrast should NOT be given without the approval of the supervising radiologist).

9. Axial eTHRIVE dynamic (arterial & venous)

a. 2.2 mm slice thickness, overcontiguous; 12 degree flip angle

10. Axial diffusion weighted images (b = 0, 20, and 800)

a. 5 mm slice thickness with 0.5 mm interslice gap

b. Please send an ADC map to iSite for all cases

11. Axial eTHRIVE delay

a. 2.2 mm slice thickness, overcontiguous; 15 degree flip angle

Rev: January 15, 2015