Disappearance of tumor contrast on contrast-enhanced FLAIR imaging of cerebral gliomas

Contrast-enhanced fluid-attentuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic res onance (MR) imaging has shown to be a valuable diagnostic modality in the a ssessment of cerebral gliomas. In this study we report of a potential pitfa ll regarding the delineation of enhancing tumor parts on contrast enhanced FLAIR imaging. In a limited number of patients, the administration of gadol inium obscures the area of contrast enhancement on contrast enhanced FLAIR images. Therefore the delineation of the macroscopic tumor parts, which are of great importance for the treatment planning is substantially worsened. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.