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[A multislice gradient-echo sequence for contrast medium-enhanced MR diagnosis of intracranial tumors]

W Schörner1, B Sander, W Kornmesser

  • 1Radiologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rudolf Virchow, Freie Universität Berlin.

Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|June 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Gradient echo sequences (FLASH) offer efficient, comparable contrast enhancement for brain tumor diagnosis compared to spin-echo (SE) techniques. FLASH is recommended for contrast-enhanced brain MRI due to its speed.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing cerebral tumors.
  • Conventional spin-echo (SE) sequences are widely used but can be time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic value of multislice gradient echo (FLASH) sequences with conventional spin-echo (SE) techniques for contrast-enhanced MRI of cerebral tumors.

Main Methods:

  • A multislice gradient echo sequence (FLASH 315/14) and a conventional spin-echo sequence (SE 400/30) were utilized.
  • Images were acquired in 28 patients with cerebral tumors before and after gadolinium DTPA administration.
  • Image acquisition times were compared: 15 images in 1.4 minutes for FLASH versus 4 images in 3.4 minutes for SE.

Main Results:

  • Both SE and FLASH techniques provided comparable results regarding contrast enhancement, tumor contrast, and delineation after gadolinium DTPA administration.
  • The FLASH sequence demonstrated significantly higher efficiency, acquiring more images in a shorter time frame.

Conclusions:

  • The FLASH sequence is the preferred method for contrast-enhanced cerebral MRI due to its superior efficiency.
  • Gradient echo techniques like FLASH offer a valuable alternative for rapid and effective brain tumor diagnosis.

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