[Rapid nuclear magnetic resonance tomography. Initial results of studies using the new gradient echo sequence]

In 60 patients with intracerebral lesions, examined by MRI, a new gradient-echo sequence was employed. This imaging technique uses excitation pulse angles smaller than 90 degrees and echoes are produced by an inversion of the read gradient. Since no 180 degrees pulse between successive excitations is necessary, very short repetition times can be used. Depending on matrix-size and signal averaging, MR imaging time can be reduced to approximately 5 to 40 seconds for single slice scan. For comparison, conventional T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images were performed. Diagnostic results of the T1-weighted fast gradient-echo images corresponded with T1-weighted spin-echo images in 30% of cases. Diagnostic information was lower in 40% of cases. In the remainder of cases (30%) lesions were not detected with the gradient-echo technique. This especially applied to multiple sclerosis, infarctions and low-grade gliomas. Due to image artefacts and low contrast, visualization of small pathologic lesions was limited. Significant improvement of tumor visualization on gradient-echo scans was observed after injection of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg).