GADOLINIUM-ENHANCED T1-WEIGHTED VERSUS T2-WEIGHTED IMAGING OF SCROTALDISORDERS - IS THERE AN INDICATION FOR MR-IMAGING

To evaluate the use of gadopentetate dimeglumine in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of scrotal disorders, the clinical, ultrasound, and MR i maging data of 29 patients (age range, 19-75 years) with various intra - and extratesticular disorders were retrospectively analyzed. T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images (T1-T2 group) were compared with T1-weig hted spin-echo images before and after intravenous administration of g adopentetate dimeglumine (T1-Gd group). A receiver operating character istic (ROC) analysis of the findings was undertaken. Better contrast b etween tumor and parenchyma and a clearer demonstration of the tunica albuginea were noted in the T1-T2 group (although not of diagnostic re levance). ROC analysis revealed no differences between the two imaging groups in the diagnosis of tumor, trauma, hydrocele, or hemorrhage; h owever, epididymitis was diagnosed more easily with contrast enhanceme nt (0.8834 vs 0.7759, P = .04) and the diagnosis of orchitis was expre ssed more strongly (0.8221 vs 0.7184, P = .17). Four of the five obser vers were more confident in making the diagnosis with contrast enhance ment. With MR imaging, the diagnosis was correctly suggested in three patients in whom clinical and ultrasound data were inconclusive. Gadol inium-enhanced MR imaging gives additional information in scrotal diso rders and facilitates diagnosis. It may be helpful when findings at ph ysical examination and ultrasound differ and when T1- and T2-weighted images are equivocal.