MR assessment of spinal metastases using the late 26 sequence

Ninety-two patients with suspected spinal involvement by systemic cancer underwent MR examinations using both conventional and phase-contrast (LATE 26) spin-echo pulse sequences. MR imaging was considered positive for metastatic disease in 73 cases. Implants were extradural in 69 patients and intradural in 4 patients. Nineteen cases had no MRI evidence of metastases and the abnormalities suspected were shown to be due to either inflammatory or degenerative changes. MR appearances during and after chemo- and/or radiotherapy were studied in 5 patients. The impact of the LATE 26 sequence in the assessment of metastatic spinal disease is evaluated.