Dynamic MRI of tumours in head and neck with a contrast-enhanced FLASH-2D sequence

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a dynamic contrast enhanced FLASH-2D sequence for differential diagnosis of tumours in head and neck in 93 patients. Initially, the localization of the lesion and the selection of four representative slices for the dynamic study were obtained by a T2-weighted spin-echo sequence (TR 2000–3000 ms; TE 25/90 ms). After IV bolus injection of the contrast agent 10 images were acquired during a period of 3 min by a FLASH-2D sequence (TR 60 ms; TE 6 ms; flip angle 40° matrix 256 × 256; one acquisition). The percentage signal intensity (SI) increase (r) and the slope (S) of the curve were calculated on the basis of the SI time curve of the pathological lesion and of muscle. Inflammatory processes could be differentiated from malignant or benign tumours by means of a higher contrast enhancement. The time of the maximum SI was not specific for the different lesions. In comparison with muscle the maximum SI change was achieved earlier in a pathological process. Correspondence to: J. Mäurer