Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the normal feline cranial abdomen

Magnetic resonance images of the cranial abdomen were acquired from 15 clin ically normal cats. All cats had T1-weighted images, 8 cats had T2-images m ade and 7 cats had T1-weighted post Gd-DTPA images acquired. Signal intensi ty measurements for T1, T2, and T1 post contrast sequences were calculated for liver, spleen, gallbladder, renal cortex, renal medulla, pancreas, epax ial muscles, and peritoneal fat. On T1-weighted images the epaxial muscle h ad the lowest signal intensity, followed by renal medulla, spleen, renal co rtex, pancreas, liver and fat, respectively, On T2-weighted images, epaxial muscle had the lowest signal intensity followed by liver, spleen, fat, and gallbladder lumen. Calculations of specific organ percent enhancement foll owing contrast medium administration were made and compared with that repor ted in humans, A brief review of the potential clinical uses of MR in cats is presented.