ULTRAFAST CONTRAST-ENHANCED 3D-MRA IN PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSTIC-IMAGINGOF LIVER-TUMORS

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of 3D-MRA in preoperative staging in correlation to intraoperative and histological results. Methods: In 3 0 patients with focal liver lesions axial and coronal MR sequences (T( 1)w-Flash 2D, T(2)w-TSE unenhanced, T(1)w-Flash 2D, TRUE FISP contrast -enhanced) as well as coronal breathhold MRA were performed. The techn ical parameters of the MRA were as follows: T-R/T-E 5/2 ms, flip angle 40 degrees, 32-40 partitions with an effective slice thickness of 2-3 mm, acquisition time 26 s, matrix 128 x 256, FOV 320 x 320 to 400 x 4 00. Results: In 23/30 patients liver resection was performed. Correct prediction of segmental localization was achieved in preoperative MRI of 22 patients (98%). The presumed histology was correct in 20/23 case s (87%). The evaluation of the hepatic vascular structures was correct ly predicted in all cases. By use of multiplanar reconstructions and s ingle image view of the 3D data base of MRA, additional information co uld be obtained in 13 patients. Conclusions: Breathhold 3D-MRA gives c ertain information on localization and relation of vascular structures to focal hepatic lesions. In presentation of portal venous structures MRA is superior to conventional angiography.