3DFT-FISP MRI WITH GADOPENTETATE DIMEGLUMINE IN DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS OF SMALL LIVER-TUMORS

Objective: We assessed the value of dynamic sequential three-dimension al Fourier transformation (3DFT) MRI in differentiating various types of small liver tumors. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients wit h 65 liver masses <3 cm in size (42 hepatocellular carcinomas, 11 hema ngiomas, 12 metastatic tumors) were studied by 3DFT fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) MRI [TR(ms)/TE(ms)/flip angle (degrees) : 20/8/30]. The slab thickness was 21-35 mm, and there were seven part itions. The 3DFT-FISP MR images were obtained immediately after 0.1 mm ol/kg of gadopentetate dimeglumine was administered intravenously over 2-3 s (early phase), 60 s after (late phase I), and 120 s after (late phase II). Results: Eighty-six percent of small hepatocellular carcin omas showed hyperintense enhancement relative to the surrounding liver parenchyma and iso- or hypointense enhancement with or without capsul ar enhancement in the late phase. Eighty-two percent of small hemangio mas showed peripheral globular enhancement in the early phase and tota l hyperintense or peripheral enhancement in the late phases. Ninety-tw o percent of the small metastatic liver tumors showed doughnut-like ri ng enhancement in the early phase. Conclusion: By dynamic 3DFT-FISP MR I, we were able to accurately evaluate the hemodynamics and morphologi cal findings of each type of small liver tumor.