Dynamic Gd-DOTA-enhanced MR imaging of hepatic metastases from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Eur J Radiol. 1994 Aug;18(3):180-4. doi: 10.1016/0720-048x(94)90331-x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the MR imaging features of hepatic metastases from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (HMPNT), and to assess their enhancement characteristics on dynamic gadolinium-chelate-enhanced MR imaging. Twelve consecutive patients with pathologically proven HMPNT underwent spin-echo (SE) and dynamic gradient-recalled echo (GRE) MR imaging before and after intravenous administration of a gadolinium-chelate (gadolinium tetraazacyclododecanetetraacetic acid; Gd-DOTA). MR examinations were performed prospectively and interpreted retrospectively in consensus by two radiologists. Fifty-five HMPNT were identified in matching anatomic sections on the different MR sequences and included in the study. On T1-weighted SE images, 45 HMPNT (82%) were hypointense and 10 HMPNT (18%) were isointense. On T2-weighted SE images 55 HMPNT (100%) were hyperintense. On GRE images obtained 20 s after Gd-DOTA injection, 41 HMPNT (75%) showed slight peripheral enhancement, and 14 HMPNT (25%) showed internal enhancement. Forty-four HMPNT (80%) were heterogeneous. On GRE images obtained 4 min after Gd-DOTA injection, 37 HMPNT (67%) showed peripheral enhancement, and 18 HMPNT (33%) showed a global and almost complete enhancement. Heterogeneity of enhancement was seen in all 55 HMPNT (100%). Although HMPNT exhibit a large spectrum of MR features, early enhancement and heterogeneity on dynamic GRE MR images are suggestive features of HMPNT.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology
  • Carcinoid Tumor / secondary
  • Chelating Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Contrast Media* / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Gadolinium* / administration & dosage
  • Gastrinoma / pathology
  • Gastrinoma / secondary
  • Heterocyclic Compounds* / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Insulinoma / pathology
  • Insulinoma / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / secondary*
  • Organometallic Compounds* / administration & dosage
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vipoma / pathology
  • Vipoma / secondary

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • gadolinium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetate
  • Gadolinium