Related Experiment Videos
Renal masses: evaluation with gradient-echo Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR imaging
S S Eilenberg1, J K Lee, J Brown
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, St Louis, MO 63110.
Abstract:
Dynamic contrast material-enhanced gradient-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on 15 patients with 18 renal masses (seven simple renal cysts, nine renal cell carcinomas, one angiomyolipoma, and one oncocytoma). Fifteen sequential images were obtained while the patients held their breath during a 2.5-3.5-minute interval during and immediately after the intravenous administration of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA); delayed images were also obtained for 15 minutes. Time-intensity curves showed that renal cortical enhancement reached maximal intensity 80 seconds after the injection of Gd-DTPA. Medullary enhancement reached maximal intensity at 120 seconds. None of the simple renal cysts showed enhancement; each cyst displayed a signal intensity less than that of the renal cortex on precontrast images. All renal cell carcinomas were isointense with the renal cortex and demonstrated variable enhancement. Three patterns of enhancement were observed: predominantly peripheral, heterogeneous, and homogeneous. Both the angiomyolipoma and the oncocytoma showed brisk, homogeneous enhancement. This MR imaging technique appears to be useful in the detection and characterization of simple renal cysts and solid neoplasms.
Insights
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI effectively detects and characterizes renal masses. This technique differentiates simple cysts from tumors like renal cell carcinomas, angiomyolipomas, and oncocytomas based on enhancement patterns.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Nephrology
Background:
- Renal masses require accurate detection and characterization.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging offers advanced visualization capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced gradient-echo MR imaging in differentiating renal masses.
- To assess enhancement patterns of various renal neoplasms and cysts.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced gradient-echo MR imaging with gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used.
- Sequential imaging during and after contrast administration, including delayed scans, was performed.
- Time-intensity curves analyzed renal cortical and medullary enhancement.
Main Results:
- Simple renal cysts showed no enhancement and were hypointense compared to the renal cortex.
- Renal cell carcinomas exhibited variable enhancement patterns (peripheral, heterogeneous, homogeneous).
- Angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma demonstrated brisk, homogeneous enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging is valuable for detecting and characterizing renal masses.
- Distinct enhancement patterns aid in differentiating simple cysts from solid renal neoplasms.