Lymph mode imaging by ultrarapid 3D MR angiography.

Purpose: A report on observations of lymph node images obtained by gadolini um-enhanced 3D NIR angiography (MRA). Methods: Ultrarapid MRA (TR, TE, FA - 5 or 6.4 ms, 1.9 or 2.8 ms, 30-40 degrees) with 0.2 mmol/kg BW Gd-DTPA and 20 ml physiological saline. Start after completion of injection. Single se ries of the pelvis-thigh as well as head-neck regions by use of a phased ar ray coil with a 1.5 T Magnetom Vision or a 1.0 T Magnetom Harmony (Siemens, Erlangen). We report on lymph node imaging in 4 patients, 2 of whom exhibi ted benign changes and 2 further metastases. In 1 patient with extensive ly mph node metastases of a malignant melanoma, color-Doppler sonography as co lor-flow angiography (CFA) was used as a comparative method. Results: Lymph node imaging by contrast medium-enhanced ultrarapid 3D MRA apparently resu lted from their vessels. Thus, arterially-supplied metastases and inflammat ory enlarged lymph nodes were well visualized while those with a.v. shunts or poor vascular supply in tumor necroses were poorly imaged. Conclusions: Further investigations are required with regard to the visualization of lym ph nodes in other parts of the body as well as a possible differentiation b etween benign and malignant lesions.