[MRT using gadolinium-DTPA in spinal intradural space-occupying lesions]

The results of contrast enhanced MRI in 36 patients with suspected spinal intradural tumours are described. All intramedullary tumors showed distinctive enhancement and solid tumors could be delineated clearly, even if they were not clearly visible on unenhanced scans. The differentiation between neoplasm and non-neoplastic syrinx was markedly improved. The sensitivity of MRI for demonstrating intradural extramedullary tumours was greatly improved by gadolinium DTPA and even small lesions or flat meningeal infiltrates could be visualised. In addition, gadolinium DTPA improved the delineation and localisation of larger lesions, even if they had already been seen on unenhanced images.