Time-dependent changes in signal intensity in neoplastic and inflammatory lesions of the musculoskeletal system following intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA

In 48 patients with primary and secondary bone and soft tissue tumors and in 6 patients with inflammatory diseases of bone, the increase in signal intensity after i.v. administration of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body wt) was assessed in pathologic and normal tissues of the musculoskeletal system by means of a FLASH sequence (TR = 40 ms, TE = 10 ms, tip angle 90 degrees). In normal tissues the increase of signal intensity was slower and less pronounced than in lesions. Malignant tumors showed a more pronounced and rapid increase in signal intensity than benign tumors and inflammatory tissue. It was possible to differentiate necrotic areas and peritumorous edema from tumorous and inflammatory tissue. The increase in signal intensity was perceptibly slower and less pronounced in malignant tumors exposed to cytostatic therapy than in malignant tumors without therapy.