Phase-contrast imaging of the parotid region.
Standard T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo acquisitions were compared with T1- and T2-weighted phase-contrast techniques in a series of 10 consecutive patients with parotid masses to assess the role of phase-contrast methods in the evaluation of lesions in the parotid fossa. Greater tissue-lesion contrast was obtained with phase-contrast methods in nine of 10 cases, allowing improved lesion visualization; however, an increase in lesion detectability was not observed in this series. Standard MR imaging methods are sufficient for imaging the parotid region in most cases, but can be quite time-consuming. Recommended screening of the parotid fossa that optimizes tissue-lesion contrast, lesion detectability, and imaging time is performed by combining a standard T1-weighted acquisition with a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition. Selection of a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition is determined by the T1 characteristics of the lesion.
Mikulis
D J
DJ
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Chisin
R
R
Wismer
G L
GL
Buxton
R B
RB
Weber
A L
AL
Davis
K R
KR
Rosen
B
B
D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis