Dynamic Gd-enhanced MR imaging of hepatic hemangioma: is high temporal resolution requisite for characterization?
We assessed the value of high temporal resolution in the dynamic characterization of hepatic hemangioma with use of magnetization-prepared gradient-echo (MP-GRE) imaging. Single-level inversion recovery incremental flip angle MP-GRE images were obtained in 26 patients with 34 hemangiomas before and at a repetition rate of 30 images/min after injection of Gd-DTPA without breath-holding. Enhancement patterns and temporal changes thereof were analyzed. Hemangiomas were categorized as small ( < 2.0 cm), medium (2.0-5.0 cm), and large ( > 5 cm) lesions. Classic early peripheral nodular enhancement (PNE) with progressive hyperintense fill-in was observed in 31 lesions (91%). Two of 10 small and 1 of 20 medium lesions showed complete fill-in within 10 s, and three small and one medium lesions within 45 s after the onset of PNE. In no cases of hemangioma was immediate homogenous hyperintensity observed without preceding PNE. In conclusion, temporal resolution of less than 10 s is a prerequisite for confident dynamic characterization of some hemangiomas, predominantly small hemangiomas.
Urhahn
R
R
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology (RWTH) Aachen, Germany.
Kilbinger
M
M
Drobnitzky
M
M
Mans-Peine
G
G
Neuerburg
J
J
Günther
R W
RW
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA