Gd-DTPA in MR of spinal lesions

The use of Gd-DTPA in nondegenerative spinal lesions is described. Thirty consecutive patients were examined by MR with and without Gd-DTPA. The information obtained with unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images was compared with that obtained with Gd-DTPA T1-weighted images. The results showed that, according to the criteria used, more information was present on the MR images with Gd-DTPA in 18 of 30 patients. In six of 30 patients, the improved quality of the images led to a change in the neurosurgical or neurologic approach. Gd-DTPA proved to be a safe contrast medium; no side effects or adverse reactions were observed. It is recommended that Gd-DTPA be used in nondegenerative lesions involving the spinal cord to obtain the same or more information in a shorter acquisition time.