title: The use of gadolinium in the MR evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors.
abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as the preferred modality for the imaging evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors. Although there is general agreement on the value of MR in diagnosis and staging, the use of intravenous contrast in the evaluation of musculoskeletal lesions remains controversial. The purpose of this review is to highlight these controversies, to put them in perspective, and to suggest recommendations for the use of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The following specific areas will be addressed: (a) evaluation of soft-tissue tumors, (b) diagnosis of low-grade chondrosarcoma and the use of contrast material in identification of intraosseous metastases, (c) monitoring response to chemotherapy, (d) evaluation for local recurrence after surgery and/or radiation therapy, and (e) selection of biopsy site.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Saint Mary's Hospital, Richmond, VA 23226, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kransdorf
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium