T1-weighted MR imaging of glioma at 3T: a comparative study of 3D MPRAGE vs. conventional 2D spin-echo imaging

Clin Imaging. 2016 Nov-Dec;40(6):1257-1261. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.08.016. Epub 2016 Aug 26.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate difference between magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo imaging (MPRAGE) and spin-echo (SE) imaging for evaluating glioma on pre-contrast-enhanced (CE) and post-CE T1-weighted images at 3 T.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively assessed pre-CE and post-CE T1-weighted images for tumor contrast in 64 consecutive glioma patients.

Results: In the nonenhancing tumors, the contrast was significantly clearer in MPRAGE than SE. In the enhancing tumors, post-CE contrast ratio was significantly higher in SE than MPRAGE, but when subtraction images are evaluated, the difference got smaller.

Conclusion: MPRAGE can be a good substitute of SE for T1-weighted imaging of glioma.

Keywords: MPRAGE; MRI; contrast enhancement; glioma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult