Extent of intraprotocol and intersite variability of thoracic magnetic resonance acquisition times at a large quaternary institution: MR technologist insights as to its causes

Abstract

© 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Purpose:The purpose of this study was to describe Thoracic magnetic resonance (MR) acquisition time (AT) variability, associations, and technologist insights as to its causes at a large quaternary institution, by MR protocol and imaging site.Materials and Methods:A retrospective review of our 2017 QI database of 1.5 T MR imaging ATs for adults 19 years and above at the main hospital and outpatient (OPT) satellites was performed for all 5 Thoracic MR protocols. Summary statistics were calculated for ATs. Multivariable linear regression was adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, time of examination relative to shift change, technologist experience, and language interpreter. An anonymous REDCap survey of our MR technologists sought their assessment of reasons for AT variability and techniques that help reduce it.Results:A total of 174 adult OPT 1.5 T mediastinal, pleural, and lung MR examinations were analyzed, revealing high variability of median AT by protocol and site (P<0.001) - for example, mean, median, slowest, and fastest ATs for Thymus I- protocol (n=38) were 34, 32, 66, and 8 minutes, respectively. OPT site with fewest MR technologists and a single MR scanner had shortest mean AT across all protocols (35±15 min). Full Chest I- protocol had shortest AT across all sites (mean AT=33±13 min), compared with focused imaging protocols. All I-/I+ protocols had greater than expected AT, compared with the same protocol performed (I-). Surveyed MR technologists noted limited Thoracic MR training/experience, discomfort with thoracic anatomy and Thoracic MR performance, and AT-related benefit of effective communication with the radiologist with regard to lesion location.Conclusions:There was tremendous intraprotocol and intersite variability of Thoracic MR ATs. Increased technologist training, amplified experience, and a solid understanding of lesion location for focused examinations may all help reduce Thoracic MR AT.