DOUBLE-CONTRAST MR-IMAGING WITH IRON COLLOID AND GD-DTPA IN CHOLANGIOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Double contrast MR imaging with combined use of chondroitin sulfate ir on colloid (CSIC) and Gd-DTPA was attempted in 3 cases of cholangiocel lular carcinoma (CCC). In all cases, nonenhanced spin echo T1- and T2- weighted images, and T1-weighted images after i.v. injection of Gd-DTP A were obtained. Within one week, the MR sequences were repeated one h our after i.v. injection of CSIC. Double contrast (CSIC/Gd-DTPA) T1-we ighted imaging was evaluated and compared with the other sequences in terms of tumor detectability, tumor spreading and tumor characterizati on. Double contrast MR imaging was comparable in tumor detectability a nd superior as to the evaluation of spreading and characterization to the other MR imaging modalities.