Islet cell tumor of the pancreas: biphasic CT versus MR imaging in tumor detection

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of biphasic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the detection of pancreatic islet cell tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective quantitative, qualitative, and receiver operating characteristic analyses of biphasic CT and MR imaging were performed in 19 patients with 26 histopathologically proved islet cell tumors. Delayed arterial dominant-phase (AP) and portal venous-phase (PVP) biphasic CT was performed after the administration of contrast material. MR imaging included T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) and T2-weighted SE or fast SE imaging, fat-saturated T1-weighted SE imaging, dynamic contrast material-enhanced T1-weighted gradient-echo imaging, and delayed enhanced T1-weighted SE imaging with or without fat saturation. RESULTS: PVP CT and delayed enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging had the highest A(z) values (0.98 and 0.97, respectively; P <.05). Delayed enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging had the highest relative sensitivity (14-15 [74%-79%] of 19 lesions), followed by PVP CT (18-19 [69%-73%] of 26 lesions), AP CT (17-19 [65%-73%] of 26 lesions), fat-saturated T1-weighted MR imaging (eight to 10 [57%-71%] of 14 lesions), T2-weighted (16-17 [62%-65%] of 26 lesions), T1-weighted (15-18 [58%-69%] of 26 lesions) MR imaging, and dynamic MR imaging (nine [56%] of 16 lesions). CONCLUSION: Biphasic (especially PVP) CT and MR imaging have similar effectiveness in the detection of islet cell tumors if fat-saturated T1-weighted and delayed enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging are included.     

Pancreatic carcinoma versus chronic pancreatitis: dynamic MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine if dynamic gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can distinguish chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of MR and pathology examination findings was performed for 24 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and seven with chronic pancreatitis who underwent dynamic gadolinium-enhanced breath-hold spoiled gradient-echo imaging. Arterial, portal, and delayed phase images were obtained after injection of gadopentatate dimeglumine. The MR images of 14 patients without clinical evidence of pancreatic disease were also reviewed as controls. Signal intensity (SI) was measured on the precontrast (pre) and gadolinium-enhanced (post) images of the area of the pancreas sampled at biopsy and of the nontumorous pancreas. Percentage enhancement was defined as SIpre/SIpost x 100. RESULTS: Normal pancreas showed rapid enhancement that peaked in the arterial or portal phase. For both diseases, T1-weighted images showed hypointense masses with progressive enhancement (differences were significant [P < .05] on only delayed fat-saturated images). Differences in enhancement between either disease state and normal pancreas were significant for at least one phase. Nontumorous pancreas in patients with carcinoma showed gradual enhancement that was significantly different from that of normal pancreas. CONCLUSION: Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma show abnormal pancreatic enhancement, but the two were not distinguished on the basis of degree and time of enhancement.     

胰腺MRI:技术及诊断研究

目的 :探讨MR不同序列在胰腺病变诊断中的应用价值。方法 :84例胰腺检查包括 5 0例正常胰腺及 3 4例临床怀疑有病变的胰腺 ,其中包括 15例胰腺癌 ,2例胰岛细胞瘤 ,1例粘液性囊腺瘤 ,4例胰周肿瘤 ,12例胰腺炎。MR扫描序列包括常规SET1WI ;FSET2 WI ;增强前、后的脂肪抑制T1WI和GRE。结果 :3 4例异常胰腺中的 2 7例 ,增强前、后T1WI脂肪抑制像提供了最好的诊断信息 ,其次为增强后立即扫描的GRE像。未增强的GRE像极好地显示了急性胰腺炎的特征 ,SET2 WI像对胰岛细胞瘤及胰腺癌的肝转移显示较为敏感。结论 :增强前、后T1WI脂肪抑制序列及动态增强的GER序列 ,应为胰腺MRI的标准序列。     

Conspicuity of liver hemangiomas: short tau inversion recovery, T1, and T2 imaging with gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid

PURPOSE: To compare conspicuity of liver hemangiomas on STIR, T1-weighted, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images before and after administration of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) (hepatocellular contrast agent), using contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen hemangiomas were imaged using breath-hold gradient echo (GRE) T1, fat-saturated turbo spin echo (TSE)-T2, and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. Background noise and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for liver and hemangioma, along with CNR for normal liver and hemangioma, were measured on each sequence before and after administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA. Hemangioma conspicuity was also evaluated qualitatively. RESULTS: After Gd-EOB-DTPA administration, the quantitative liver SNR decreased 54% on STIR, increased 45% on T1-weighted images, and increased 14.5% on TSE-T2-weighted images. The CNR for liver and hemangioma increased 50% on STIR images (P < 0.0001), increased 46% on T1-weighted imaging (P = 0.0033), and increased 22% on TSE-T2-weighted MR imaging (MRI) (P = 0.0083). After contrast, the CNR for TSE-T2 images was greater than those for both the T1 and STIR images (P < 0.0001 for both). Qualitatively, signal change was visually apparent in the liver on T1 and STIR, but not on T2 images or in the hemangiomas on any sequence. CONCLUSION: Despite the statistically significant T1 and STIR increase in CNR, liver hemangiomas were most conspicuous on TSE-T2 images after Gd-EOB-DTPA. This pilot study with hemangiomas highlights the newly recognized potential benefit of TSE-T2 imaging with hepatocellular contrast.     

Human peripheral arteries: feasibility of transvenous intravascular MR imaging of the arterial wall

Feasibility of in vivo transvenous intravascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the human arterial wall was determined. All subjects provided written informed consent, and institutional review board approved the study. Six arteries in six patients were imaged with a guidewire placed in the iliac vein (n = 5) or left renal vein (n = 1). Pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted transvenous MR imaging were performed. An atherosclerotic plaque with a fibrous cap was identified on 27 (42%) of 64 images of veins without stents; intimal hyperplasia in a renal artery with a stent was identified on 12 images. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) on arterial wall postcontrast T1-weighted images were superior to those on images obtained with other sequences (P < .001), and the postcontrast images demonstrated the greatest number of plaques with a low-signal intensity core and fibrous cap. Preliminary results show that transvenous MR imaging is feasible for high-spatial-resolution imaging of the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque. Postcontrast T1-weighted imaging affords greatest CNR for the arterial wall.     

Abdominal MR imaging with a volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination.

PURPOSE: To compare a T1-weighted, three-dimensional (3D), gradient-echo (GRE) sequence for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the body (volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination, or VIBE) with a two-dimensional (2D) GRE breath-hold equivalent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent 1.5-T MR imaging. The examinations included pre- and postcontrast (20 mL gadopentetate dimeglumine) fat-saturated 2D GRE breath-hold imaging and fat-saturated volumetric interpolated breath-hold imaging before, during (arterial phase), and after injection, with thin (2-mm source images) and thick (8-mm reconstruction images) sections. The three images were compared qualitatively and quantitatively (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] and contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]). RESULTS: Qualitatively, the 2-mm source images had poorer pancreatic edge definition on precontrast images compared with the other two data sets (P < .05). On gadolinium-enhanced images, scores for clarity of pancreatic edge, number of vessels visualized, and arterial ghosting were significantly lower for the postcontrast 2D GRE images. Quantitatively, SNR measurements in the liver, aorta, and renal cortex on pre- and postcontrast images were significantly higher for the 8-mm reconstruction images than for the 2D GRE or 2-mm source images (P < .05). Aorta-to-fat CNR was significantly higher on the 8-mm reconstruction images. CONCLUSION: Fat-saturated volumetric interpolated breath-hold images have quality comparable to that of conventional fat-saturated 2D GRE images.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in evaluation of chronic pancreatitis. Part I: techniques and methods

Until recently, MR examinations of the pancreas were limited by motion artifacts, vascular pulsatility and poor spatial resolution. Today, new techniques have been developed, which allow to overcome these problems and provide additional information such as selective images of biliary and pancreatic ducts and vascular structures. MR examinations of the pancreas need to include either breath-hold or nonbreath-hold morphological T1- and T2-weighted images; a contrast agent is required when the study is performed with fast imaging which allow the acquisition of dynamic images in arterial and portal venous phases. Recently, a new liver-specific contrast agent (Mn-DPDP) has been demonstrated to provide selective pancreatic enhancement. As a complement to baseline sequences, MR cholangiopancreatography images can be acquired, possibly integrated by functional examination after secretin administration. Finally, contrast-enhanced MR angiography opens new perspectives for vascular studies, particularly for the locoregional staging of pancreatic cancer.     

Changes in signal-to-noise ratios and contrast-to-noise ratios of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas on ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging

PURPOSE: To verify changes in the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with 61 hypervascular HCCs underwent ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging, and then hepatic resection. Hypervascular HCCs were identified when definite enhancement was noted during the arterial dominant phase of three-phase MDCT. Dynamic MR Images with T1-weighted fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-recalled echo sequence (TR200/TE4.2) were obtained before and 20 s, and 1, 3, 5, and 10 min, after bolus injection of ferucarbotran. We estimated the signal intensities of tumors and livers, and calculated the SNRs and CNRs of the tumors. RESULTS: On ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging, SNR measurements showed a fluctuating pattern, namely, an increase in SNR followed by a decrease and a subsequent increase (or a decrease in SNR followed by a increase and a subsequent decrease) in 50 (82.0%) of 61 tumors, a single-peak SNR pattern (highest SNR on 20 s, 1, 3, or 5 min delayed images followed by a decrease) in seven (11.5%), and a decrease in SNR followed by an increase in four (6.6%). Maximum absolute CNRs with positive value were noted on 10 min delayed images in 41 (67.2%) tumors, and maximum absolute CNRs with negative value were observed on 20 s delayed images in 12 (19.7%) and on 1 min delayed images in eight (13.1%). CONCLUSION: Despite showing various SNR and CNR changes, the majority of hypervascular HCCs demonstrated a fluctuating SNR pattern on ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging and a highest CNR on 10 min delayed image, which differed from the classic enhancement pattern on multiphasic CT.     

Liver and pancreas: improved spin-echo T1 contrast by shorter echo time and fat suppression at 1.5 T

T1-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images have had limited soft-tissue contrast at 1.5 T. The authors investigated the effects of echo-time (TE) minimization and fat suppression on MR images of the liver and pancreas. Two sets of MR images were obtained with identical repetition times and other parameters. In 10 subjects with seven liver lesions, images with TEs of 20 and 12 msec were compared. In 18 additional subjects with seven liver lesions and five pancreatic carcinomas, images with identical TEs but with and without fat suppression were compared. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were greater with a TE of 12 msec than with a TE of 20 msec for liver versus spleen (7.6 vs 4.9, P = .014) and liver versus lesion (6.9 vs 3.9, P = .031). In patients without fatty liver, CNR for six lesions versus liver was greater (9.5 vs 6.0, P = .014) with fat suppression. CNR between glandular pancreas and cancer was most conspicuous with fat suppression, but fat planes were less distinct. Minimization of TE improves T1-weighted images significantly. Fat suppression also improves CNR, but the disadvantages of fat suppression do not allow elimination of conventional T1-weighted images.     

Detection of small, functional islet cell tumors in the pancreas: selection of MR imaging sequences for optimal sensitivity

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for depicting pancreatic small, functional islet cell tumors and the minimum number of sequences for expedient diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients clinically suspected to have functional islet cell tumors underwent T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) MR imaging with and without fat suppression, T2-weighted fast SE imaging, and spoiled gradient-echo (GRE) imaging before and after injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Sensitivity, specificity, and the best and minimum number of sequences for definitive diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: MR images depicted proved islet cell tumors in 17 of 20 patients (sensitivity, 85%). Images were true-negative in eight patients with negative follow-up examination results for more than 1 year. Specificity was 100%; positive predictive value, 100%; and negative predictive value, 73%. Among 20 patients with tumor, T1-weighted SE images with fat suppression and nonenhanced spoiled GRE images each showed lesions in 15 (75%); T2-weighted conventional SE with fat suppression, in 13 (65%); gadolinium-enhanced spoiled GRE, in 12 (60%); and T2-weighted fast SE, in seven of 10 patients (70%). CONCLUSION: MR imaging accurately depicts small islet cell tumors. T2-weighted fast SE and spoiled GRE sequences usually suffice. Gadolinium-enhanced sequences are needed only if MR imaging results are equivocal or negative.     

Dynamic T1-weighted spin-echo MR imaging: the role of digital subtraction in the demonstration of enhancing brain lesions

We compared subtracted and non-subtracted images obtained from a contrast-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted spin echo (SE) magnetic resonance (MR) technique for the demonstration of enhancing brain lesions with and without associated hemorrhage. Thirty-four patients with enhancing brain lesions or subacute parenchymal hematomas were imaged using a contrast-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted SE MR technique modified by a keyhole scheme. On-line digital subtraction was performed. Non-subtracted and subtracted dynamic scans were compared for conspicuity and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of enhancing brain lesions. The presence and pattern of enhancement in the subacute parenchymal hematomas were evaluated on the subtracted images. In all, 47 enhancing brain lesions were detected on both the non-subtracted and the subtracted images. The enhancing brain lesions were more conspicuous on the subtracted images (P < 0.05). There was an increase in CNRs of the enhancing lesions on the subtracted images compared with the non-subtracted ones (P < 0.001). Seventeen subacute parenchymal hematomas were detected on the non-subtracted images. The subtracted images demonstrated enhancement in 15 hematomas (8 rim enhancement only/7 both nodular and rim enhancement). Digital subtraction in contrast-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted SE MR imaging is helpful in demonstrating enhancing brain lesions with and without associated hemorrhage.     

3.0 T MRI不同脉冲序列对胰腺疾病的诊断价值

目的 探讨MRI检查不同脉冲序列对胰腺病变的诊断价值。方法 对87例临床怀疑胰腺病变的病人应用3.0 T MR设备进行检查,扫描序列包括双回波T1WI（同相位与反相位成像）、脂肪抑制T1WI（T1WI+FS）、脂肪抑制T2WI (T2WI+FS)、磁共振胆胰管水成像（MRCP）、快速多层面扰相梯度回波(FSPGR)动态增强扫描。由2名放射科医师分析不同脉冲序列的MRI所见。结果 正常胰腺15例,急性胰腺炎27例,慢性胰腺炎30例,胰腺癌15例。T1WI+FS显示胰腺形态与信号最佳,正常胰腺呈稍高信号。在双回波T1WI上,胰腺与周围组织对比度降低。胰腺病变在T1WI上表现为低信号50例,T2WI+FS显示胰周渗出性病变34例。MRCP显示胰管扩张35例,胆管扩张20例,双管征9例。快速扰相梯度回波（FSPGR）动态增强显示胰腺癌13例,肿块在动脉期表现为相对低信号,延迟期轻度强化,周围血管受侵2例。结论 合理应用MR扫描序列有助于提高胰腺病变的诊断效能。     

Rectal carcinoma: high-spatial-resolution MR imaging and T2 quantification in rectal cancer specimens

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare high-spatial-resolution T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and intermediate-weighted spectral fat-saturated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the differentiation of tumor from fibrosis and for delineation of rectal wall layers in rectal cancer specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local ethics committee approved the protocol, and written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Thin-section high-spatial-resolution MR imaging was performed in specimens obtained from 23 patients (16 men, seven women; median age, 64 years; age range, 39-84 years) immediately after resection. Seven patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment. T1-weighted spin-echo, T2-weighted fast spin-echo, and intermediate-weighted spectral fat-saturated MR images were obtained in the transverse plane. Differences in signal intensity between tumor and fibrosis and between tumor and rectal wall layers were evaluated by using visual scoring and measurements of T2 relaxation time. Statistical differences were evaluated by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and a mixed-model regression analysis. All images were compared with whole-mount histopathologic slices (n = 86). RESULTS: T2-weighted MR images provided the best differentiation between tumor and fibrosis (P < .001). Mean visual signal intensity scores were -1.8 for T2-weighted MR images, -1.4 for intermediate-weighted spectral fat-saturated MR images, and -0.2 for T1-weighted MR images. T2 relaxation times were 97 msec +/- 4.6 for tumor and 70 msec +/- 3.8 for fibrosis (P < .001). Substantial overlap was noted between the tumor and the circular layer of the muscularis propria (97 msec +/- 2.1), and less overlap was noted between the tumor and the longitudinal layer of the muscularis propria (88 msec +/- 1.6). CONCLUSION: T2-weighted MR imaging provides superior delineation of rectal wall layers and better differentiation of tumor from fibrosis in rectal cancer specimens compared with T1-weighted MR imaging and intermediate-weighted spectral fat-saturated MR imaging by using thin-section high-spatial-resolution sequences.     

MR imaging of the pancreas: a practical approach

This article reviews the current practical MRI techniques in assessment of the pancreas. With the comprehensive "one-stop-shopping" approach, the great majority of pancreatic diseases can be detected and characterized by the use of a combination of T1, T2-weighted, MRCP, and fat-suppressed T1-weighted dynamic post-gadolinium SGE sequences. This approach may provide the clinician with information regarding the site, nature, and staging of pancreatic tumor in a single setting. In many institutions worldwide, however, including our own, CT remains the main imaging method for the assessment of acute pancreatic diseases, due largely to its wide availability. MR imaging is reserved for the indications listed above, most importantly, the detection of small and non-organ-deforming pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, islet cell tumors, choledocholithiasis and pancreatic duct calculi, cholangiocarcinomas, and in cases of pancreatic head enlargement with no mass discernable on CT.     

Usefulness of simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics technique for MRI of the knee

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics (SMASH) is a parallel-imaging technique that uses fewer echoes than conventional techniques to obtain the desired resolution. Images are produced in a shorter time period using the SMASH technique than conventional techniques. This study assesses the usefulness of the SMASH technique in the MRI evaluation of the knee. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Three experienced musculoskeletal radiologists prospectively interpreted MR images of the knee in 50 consecutive patients. All patients underwent a complete MRI examination of the knee on a 1.5-T MRI scanner. Sagittal proton density fat-saturated and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained. In addition, fat-saturated T2-weighted images were obtained in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. SMASH T2-weighted imaging in the coronal, axial and sagittal planes took 6 min 38 sec, whereas fast spin-echo conventional T2-weighted imaging took 11 min 45 sec to obtain images in the same planes. Each radiologist interpreted the knee MR examinations prospectively and was unaware whether the images had been obtained using the SMASH T2-weighted or fat-saturated T2-weighted technique. The radiologists provided a report. The three radiologists independently performed a retrospective review of both the fat-saturated T2-weighted and SMASH T2-weighted images. The radiologists were blinded as to which sequence was fat-saturated T2-weighted and which was SMASH T2-weighted. They were asked to reinterpret the images and determine whether either of the T2-weighted sequences altered the original interpretation. RESULTS: There was no intraobserver variability in MRI interpretations with the use of SMASH imaging as compared with fat-saturated T2-weighted images. Thirty-four patients underwent arthroscopy after imaging. Findings at arthroscopy in those patients were as follows: 28 meniscal tears, 12 anterior cruciate ligament tears, and nine chondral defects. In some patients, multiple abnormalities were detected on MRI. All arthroscopy findings correlated with prospective MRI interpretations. CONCLUSION: The use of SMASH T2-weighted imaging as opposed to fat-saturated T2-weighted imaging results in a significant decrease in imaging time (> 5-min decrease for each knee examination) without affecting the MRI interpretation or patient clinical outcome.     

High-resolution MRI of pancreatic masses with a new circularly polarized body phased-array coil

A total of 18 patients with clinical suspicion of a pancreatic tumor underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and MRI examinations. A fat-suppressed T1-weighted 2D fast-low-angle-shot (FLASH) sequence and a T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequence were applied in a transverse orientation using a circularly polarized (CP) body phased-array coil. The FLASH sequence was repeated after Gd-DTPA administration. The highest spatial resolution was 1.37×1.37×3.00 mm³. In two cases a half Fourier single-shot turbo-SE sequence (HASTE) was additionally applied. In a comparison between CT and MRI, pancreatic masses could be demonstrated and characterized with excellent image quality. The fat-saturated 2D FLASH sequence yielded the highest contrast-to-noise ratios after Gd-DTPA administration between pancreas and inflammatory or neoplastic lesion. One non-contour deforming carcinoma could be detected only with MRI and was only retrospectively visible on CT with an element of uncertainty. Magnetic resonance imaging using a CP body phased-array coil and fat-suppressed T1- and T2-weighted FLASH, SE, and turbo-SE sequences offers diagnostic possibilities in improved imaging of the pancreas.     

Detection of hepatic metastases by superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging: prospective comparison between 1.5-T and 3.0-T images in the same patients

Objective:

To prospectively compare the diagnostic performance of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 3.0 T and 1.5 T for detection of hepatic metastases.

Methods:

A total of 28 patients (18 men, 10 women; mean age, 61 years) with 80 hepatic metastases were prospectively examined by SPIO-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0 T and 1.5 T. T1-weighted gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) images, T2*-weighted GRE images and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (SE) images were acquired. The tumour-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesions was calculated. Three observers independently reviewed each image. Image artefacts and overall image quality were analysed, sensitivity and positive predictive value for the detection of hepatic metastases were calculated, and diagnostic accuracy using the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) method was evaluated.

Results:

The tumour-to-liver CNRs were significantly higher at 3.0 T. Chemical shift and motion artefact were more severe, and overall image quality was worse on T2-weighted fast SE images at 3.0 T. Overall image quality of the two systems was similar on T1-weighted GRE images and T2*-weighted GRE images. Sensitivity and area under the ROC curve for the 3.0-T image sets were significantly higher.

Conclusion:

SPIO-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0 T provided better diagnostic performance for detection of hepatic metastases than 1.5 T.     

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: ex vivo and in vivo fat detection with black-blood MR imaging

PURPOSE: To assess electrocardiographically gated spin-echo (SE) and double inversion-recovery fast SE magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the depiction of intramyocardial fat in cadaveric heart specimens and patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom was used to determine the effective in-plane spatial resolution of SE and fast SE MR imaging protocols. Two cadavers with proved ARVD were imaged with identical sequences with spectrally selected fat suppression. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of intramyocardial fat in the right ventricle (RV) were compared by using analysis of variance and Student t test with Bonferroni correction. Eleven patients with ARVD and 10 control subjects underwent fast SE MR imaging. Two blinded readers semiquantitatively evaluated images for fat conspicuity and image quality. RESULTS: Fast SE MR imaging achieved better spatial resolution but lower CNR than that of gated SE imaging. CNRs in cadaveric specimens were higher for double R-R than for single R-R fast SE sequences for all section thicknesses (P <.0001). Absolute CNR values were higher for fat-suppressed fast SE sequences than for those without fat suppression. Cadaveric specimens demonstrated fatty infiltration from epicardium toward endocardium of the RV free wall. Intramyocardial fat was detected in eight of 11 (73%) patients with ARVD and in no control subjects (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Intramyocardial fat detection in ARVD was better with fast SE MR imaging alone and combined with fat suppression than was gated SE MR imaging. When fast SE imaging is applied in vivo, however, breath-holding constraints limit the spatial resolution for RV fat detection.     

Pancreatic changes in primary sclerosing cholangitis: evaluation with MR imaging

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and the spectrum of MR imaging findings of pancreatic abnormalities in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images in 24 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of pancreatic abnormalities, including abnormalities of signal intensity; changes in size and morphology; abnormalities of pancreatic ducts; presence of focal lesions, pseudocysts, and peripancreatic edema or fluid; and contrast-enhancement pattern if dynamic studies were available. RESULTS: Eleven patients with pancreatic abnormalities on MR images (case patients) and 13 patients with normal MR findings of the pancreas (cohort patients) were identified. The most common finding in case patients was increased signal intensity of the pancreas on T2-weighted images (73%), followed by decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images (55%) and decreased enhancement on arterial-phase contrast-enhanced images (50%). Other findings included marked enlargement of the pancreas (27%), narrowing of pancreatic ducts (27%), and peripancreatic edema or fluid (27%). The mean value of the anteroposterior diameter of the pancreatic head in the case patients was significantly greater than that in the cohort patients (p = .039). The mean signal-intensity ratio on the T2-weighted images was significantly higher in the case patients than in the cohort patients (p = .007). CONCLUSION: Increased signal on T2-weighted images, decreased signal on T1-weighted images, enlargement of the pancreas, and decreased contrast-enhancement were MR findings of pancreatic disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

Detection of portal perfusion abnormalities: comparison of 3 ferucarbotran-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging sequences

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 3 ferucarbotran-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences prospectively for the detection of nontumoral portal perfusion abnormalities. METHODS: Thirty-nine noncirrhotic patients with liver metastases underwent computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP) and MR imaging comprising T1-weighted gradient recalled echo (GRE), T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), and T2*-weighted GRE sequences with and without ferucarbotran. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed by 4 blinded observers for rating based on the confidence scale. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for each sequence were measured by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and relative signal-to-noise ratio changes were statistically compared. RESULTS: Thirty-nine nontumoral perfusion defects were observed in 22 patients by CTAP. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the accuracy was higher for T2*-weighted GRE (0.884) than for T1-weighted GRE (0.572) and T2-weighted FSE (0.597). T2*-weighted imaging achieved the highest sensitivity (81.4%) and the lowest specificity (86.6%). Postenhanced T2*-weighted imaging achieved the highest CNR (19.3 +/- 9.2). CONCLUSIONS: T2*-weighted imaging was the most accurate and sensitive method for detecting portal perfusion abnormalities compared with T1- or T2-weighted imaging, whereas T1- or T2-weighted imaging is superior in specificity to T2*-weighted imaging during ferucarbotran-enhanced MR imaging.