[MRT of orofacial tumors--initial clinical experiences with turbo-flash intensity studies]

We examined 36 patients with carcinomas of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. In 11 cases, a clear definition of the tumor extent was not possible using T2 w. spin echo sequences and T1 w. spin echo and gradient echo sequences after injection of contrast material. This delineation was attained with Turbo-FLASH intensity-vs-time studies (Gad-DTPA). The time of acquisition of each measurement was about 1 sec. At the end of injection of Gad-DTPA, 30 measurements with a delay of 1 sec between two measurements were performed. Using this technique, a marginal zone at the boundary of the tumor of very high signal intensity was visible within first minute after Gadolinium injection. This method is not required in the case of clearly hypointense (majority of the tumors) or hyperintense (minority) lesions on T1 w. Gadolinium-enhanced SE or GE images.