MRI protocol article structure

Articles describing specific MRI protocols require a different set of subheadings as the usual epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathology, etc. are not relevant.

Example article: ankle protocol (MRI)

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An introductory sentence, with the title of the article repeated and emboldened e.g.: The MRI ankle protocol encompasses a set of MRI sequences for the routine assessment of the ankle joint.

A brief explanation (italicised) stating it is understood this is not a one size fits all protocol e.g.:  Note: This article aims to frame a general concept of an MRI protocol for the assessment of the ankle. Protocol specifics will vary depending on MRI scanner type, specific hardware and software, radiologist and perhaps referrer preference, patient factors e.g. implants, specific indications and time constraints 

Indications

1.5 vs 3 tesla

Patient preparation 

Patient positioning

Technical parameters

Coil

• made in bullet points

Scan geometry

Points emboldened for example:

• in-plane spatial resolution ≤0.3 x 0.3 mm
• field of view 100-160 mm
• slice thickness ≤3mm

Planning

Planes emboldened in a bulleted list with angulation, volume and slice thickness indented, for example:

• axial images
  • angulation: perpendicular to the distal tibia and parallel to the tibiotalar joint
  • volume: about 3-5 cm above the tibiotalar joint to the plantar fascia 
  • slice thickness: ≤3mm

Sequences

Emboldened in a bulleted list with purpose, technique and planes indented, for example:

T1 weighted

• purpose: bone and/or soft-tissue characterisation
• technique:  T1 fast spin-echo
• planes: coronal, axial (option in case of arthritis or synovitis)

Practical points

• bulleted list if required