[en] Objective: To compare the performance of T₂-weighted two-shot spin-echo version of echo planar imaging (SE-EPI), respiratory-gating fast spin-echo (FSE) and single -shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) sequences for the evaluation of focal hepatic lesions. Methods: Breath-hold two-shot SE-EPI (TR=5999ms and 1999ms) of the liver was performed in 14 healthy volunteers and 21 patients, and was compared with respiratory -gating T₂-weithted FSE and SSFSE. The fat-suppression technique was used in each sequence.. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver and lesion and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesion-to-liver were quantitatively analyzed. The image quality and artifacts were also comparatively studied. Results: Quantitatively, SE_EPI, SSFSE and FSE sequences showed non-significant differences (P>0.05) in liver/lesion CNR, SNR of Liver and lesion and the general image quality. Susceptibility artifacts and chemical shift artifacts on SE-EPI were more than SSFSE and FSE. There were fewer motion and ghost artifacts on SE-EPI images compared to FSE images (P<0.05). Conclusion: SE-EPI of the liver can provide better quality T₂-weighted images in shorter acquisition times compared with respiratory-gating FSE and SSFSE. There is no particular requirement for patients to suspend their breath during the aquisition. This technique may be useful in clinical application of hepatic MR imaging. (authors)