The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a dynamic con
trast enhanced FLASH-2D sequence for differential diagnosis of tumours
in head and neck in 93 patients. Initially, the localization of the l
esion 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 im
ages were acquired during a period Of min by a FLASH-2D sequence (TR 6
0 ms, TE 6 ms; flip angle 40 degrees; matrix 256 x 256; one acquisitio
n). 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 th
e pathological lesion and of muscle. Inflammatory processes could be d
ifferentiated from malignant or benign tumours by means of a higher co
ntrast enhancement. The time of the maximum SI was not specific for th
e different lesions. In comparison with muscle the maximum SI change w
as achieved earlier in a pathological process.