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Calcified intracranial lesions: detection with gradient-echo-acquisition rapid MR imaging
S W Atlas1, R I Grossman, D B Hackney
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Gradient-echo acquisition (GEA) MRI sequences effectively detect intracranial calcifications by showing them as dark areas. This method aids in identifying calcifications, complementing conventional spin-echo MRI techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial calcifications can be challenging to detect with conventional MRI.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a standard method for identifying calcifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of reduced flip-angle gradient-echo acquisition (GEA) sequences for detecting intracranial calcifications.
- To compare GEA MRI with conventional spin-echo MRI and CT for visualizing calcifications.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with known intracranial calcifications (confirmed by CT) underwent 1.5 T MRI.
- Both conventional spin-echo and GEA sequences were utilized.
- GEA parameters were optimized to maximize T2* effects.
Main Results:
- GEA images consistently showed marked hypointensity in all calcified areas, accurately matching CT findings.
- Conventional spin-echo images displayed variable signal intensity in calcified regions, hindering confident identification.
- The hypointensity on GEA is attributed to T2* shortening caused by magnetic susceptibility differences.
Conclusions:
- Reduced flip-angle GEA MRI is a valuable adjunct for consistently demonstrating intracranial calcifications.
- GEA MRI offers improved visualization of calcifications compared to conventional spin-echo techniques.
- Noncontrast CT remains useful for confirming calcifications due to the non-specificity of GEA hypointensity.