Dynamic MR imaging in the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the utility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluation of head and neck lesions.


METHODS
Dynamic MR imaging was performed in 79 head and neck lesions. Five types of time versus signal intensity curves were obtained: type A, curve peaks 0-30 seconds after administration of contrast material; type B, curve peaks at 30-60 seconds; type C, curve peaks at 60-210 seconds; type D, gradual upward slope; and type E, flat.


RESULTS
Use of dynamic imaging did not improve the sensitivity of nondynamic imaging for malignancy. Although malignancies had type B, C, or D curves, 39 (68%) of 57 benign lesions had the same patterns. Lesions with type A or E curves and lesions with type D curves and with marked hyperintensity on T2-weighted images were all benign.


CONCLUSIONS
Although use of dynamic MR imaging contributes little in predicting malignancy in head and neck lesions, it can limit the differential diagnosis and has potential in predicting vascularity and recurrence.
Takashima
S
S
Department of Radiology, Osaka Teishin Hospital, Japan.
Noguchi
Y
Y
Okumura
T
T
Aruga
H
H
Kobayashi
T
T
D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA