Musculoskeletal neoplasms: preoperative evaluation with MR angiography.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the ability of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to depict vascularity of musculoskeletal neoplasms.


METHODS
Two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography was compared with conventional arteriography during staging of musculoskeletal tumors in 23 prospective examinations. Phase-contrast (PC) MR angiography was also performed in 19 cases and evaluated as a possible supplement to 2D TOF imaging.


RESULTS
Of named vessels, 92% in proximity to tumor were noted by blinded readers. The PC technique provided supplemental data in 47% of cases, usually related to better delineation of in-plane feeder vessels and areas with pulsatile blood flow. Of the 28 branch feeder vessels, 23 were noted on both conventional arteriograms and MR angiograms in a nonblinded review, but 16 were difficult to distinguish as feeders because of lack of associated tumor blush.


CONCLUSIONS
MR angiography has promise to replace conventional arteriography for orthopedic preoperative planning.
Swan
J S
JS
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Wisconsin Clinical Science Center, Madison 53792.
Grist
T M
TM
Sproat
I A
IA
Heiner
J P
JP
Wiersma
S R
SR
Heisey
D M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*