Coronal breath-hold fast incoherent (spoiled) GRE/SE/FSE T1 (Figure 12.2)

Acts as a localizer if three-plane localization is unavailable, or as a diagnostic sequence. Thick slices/gaps are prescribed from the coccyx to the anterior aspect of the pubis symphysis. The area from the pubis symphysis to the iliac crests is included in the image.

P 60 mm to A 60 mm

Sagittal localizers used in conjunction with a large FOV are useful to confirm the correct positioning of a rectal coil and to demonstrate nodes and bony metastases in patients with suspected prostatic carcinoma.

L 25 mm to R 25 mm

Sagittal SE/FSE T2

Demonstrates organs that lie in the midline (bladder, rectum, prostate, penis). Medium or thick slices/gaps are prescribed from the left to the right pelvic side walls (Figure 12.3). Unless lymph node involvement is suspected, small structures such as the prostate require high-resolution imaging using the rectal coil and thin slices/gap prescribed through the ROI only. Tissue suppression pulses are often necessary when using FSE sequences.

Axial SE/FSE T2 (Figure 12.4)

Demonstrates organs that lie laterally (lymph nodes). Medium or thick slices/gaps are prescribed from the pelvic floor to the iliac crests (Figure 12.5). Unless lymph node involvement is suspected, small structures such as the prostate require high-resolution imaging using the rectal coil and thin slices/gap prescribed through the ROI only. Tissue suppression pulses are often necessary when using FSE sequences.