Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
17:16
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Superparamagnetic iron oxide hepatic MR imaging: efficacy and safety using conventional and fast spin-echo pulse
L H Schwartz1, S E Seltzer, C M Tempany
1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agents like ferumoxides improve lesion detection in liver MRI. Conventional T2-weighted spin-echo sequences showed the best results for lesion-to-liver contrast enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Focal hepatic lesions require accurate detection for diagnosis and management.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agents offer unique magnetic properties for MRI.
- Evaluating novel contrast agents is crucial for advancing diagnostic capabilities in liver imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the technical efficacy and safety of intravenous ferumoxides (Feridex) for detecting hepatic lesions.
- To compare the performance of ferumoxides across different MRI pulse sequences, including conventional spin-echo and fast spin-echo.
- To quantify the impact of ferumoxides on lesion-to-liver contrast and overall image quality.
Main Methods:
- Prospective MRI studies were conducted on 25 patients with suspected focal hepatic lesions.
- Precontrast and postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed using various pulse sequences.
- Quantitative region of interest measurements and subjective assessments of image quality and lesion detection were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ferumoxides decreased hepatic signal intensity across all evaluated pulse sequences.
- Significant increases in lesion-to-liver contrast were observed with T2-weighted spin-echo (41.1%), fast spin-echo (36.5%), and fat-suppressed fast spin-echo (32.0%) sequences.
- A decrease in lesion-to-liver contrast was noted on T1-weighted postcontrast sequences (-23.8%).
- Radiologists preferred precontrast sequences due to superior overall image quality despite contrast-enhanced lesion conspicuity.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous ferumoxides at 10 mumol/kg effectively enhance lesion-to-liver contrast in hepatic MRI.
- Conventional T2-weighted spin-echo sequences demonstrated superior performance compared to fast spin-echo sequences for ferumoxides-enhanced imaging.
- Ferumoxides show potential utility in hepatic lesion detection, particularly with specific MRI pulse sequences.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...