MRI during fast infusion of Gd-DTPA: results in hepatic and pancreatic enhancement

Abstract

The authors describe the results obtained with dynamic MRI of the parenchymal organs during the infusion of contrast agents. Thirteen patients with hepatic and pancreatic lesions were studied. RASE sequences were characterized by TR of 260 ms, TE of 16 ms, NEX 1, matrix 128 × 256. Infusion of the contrast agent started 15 s prior to the beginning of the pulse sequence and continued throughout the pulse sequence (25 s). In this way, a continuous inflow of contrast agent in abdominal organs was expected during the acquisition time. The conventional dose of Gd-DTPA was employed (0.1 mmol/kg).

The results demonstrate a highly relevant pancreatic enhancement in the early arterial phase of perfusion, with values of SE/N of 18.1 versus 8.5 in the subsequent sequence. However, in the liver the perfusion study did not improve the parenchymal enhancement, with values of 9.3 versus 15.3 in the late phase. There was no improvement of hypontense lesion detections in the liver, while the hypervascular lesions were visualized with a high signal intensity in the early perfusion study, disappearing in the later sequences.