Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced rapid acquisition spin-echo MR imaging of the liver

Radiology. 1991 May;179(2):371-6. doi: 10.1148/radiology.179.2.2014277.

Abstract

Rapid acquisition spin-echo (RASE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows for coverage of the entire liver with highly T1-weighted SE images during a single 23-second breath-holding period. The RASE sequence was implemented in conjunction with rapid intravenous injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine to enable performance of dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging of the liver. Prospective evaluation of 24 patients with 62 liver lesions 1 cm or greater in diameter was performed. Images obtained with RASE were devoid of respiratory-related ghost artifacts or edge blurring. The dynamic contrast-enhanced RASE technique resulted in contrast-to-noise and contrast-to-artifact values and time efficiency measures significantly greater (P less than .05) than those obtained with use of conventional T1- and T2-weighted pulse sequences, indicating a higher likelihood for lesion detectability. Lesion conspicuity was maximal during or immediately following bolus administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine, with lesions often becoming obscured at delayed postcontrast imaging.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organometallic Compounds*
  • Pentetic Acid*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pentetic Acid
  • Gadolinium DTPA