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MR imaging of non-cancerous hepatic lesions in Long-Evans cinnamon rats
1National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan.
Abstract:
We measured MR images of the liver of Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats with pathologic correlation and assessed the effectiveness of MR imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of noncancerous hepatic lesions. T1- and T2-weighted images of their livers were obtained, and the dynamic and delayed studies after intravenous gadolinium injection were also performed. Cholangiofibrosis showed low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The T2 relaxation time of cholangiofibrosis was significantly prolonged (p < .01), and the signal intensity ratio of this lesion to muscle on T1-weighted images was significantly lower than that of normal liver parenchyma to muscle (p < .01). The lesion was enhanced immediately after gadolinium injection and the enhancement was prolonged. Among three cases of peliosis hepatis identified, one showed heterogeneous intensities on both T1- and T2-weighted images and the other two showed similar intensity pattern to cholangiofibrosis. The characteristic MR appearance of cholangiofibrosis may be useful to distinguish it from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively diagnoses noncancerous liver lesions in rats. Specific MRI characteristics help differentiate cholangiofibrosis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Hepatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Noncancerous hepatic lesions pose diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate differentiation from malignant tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial.
- Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats serve as a model for studying liver diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diagnosing noncancerous liver lesions in LEC rats.
- To correlate MRI findings with pathologic findings.
- To identify characteristic MRI features that distinguish cholangiofibrosis from HCC.
Main Methods:
- Liver MR imaging was performed on LEC rats, including T1- and T2-weighted sequences.
- Dynamic and delayed contrast-enhanced MRI with gadolinium was utilized.
- Pathologic correlation was performed for all cases.
- Signal intensity and T2 relaxation times were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cholangiofibrosis exhibited low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images.
- Significantly prolonged T2 relaxation time and lower signal intensity ratio to muscle were observed in cholangiofibrosis.
- Contrast enhancement in cholangiofibrosis was immediate and prolonged.
- Peliosis hepatis showed variable signal intensities, with some cases mimicking cholangiofibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Characteristic MRI findings of cholangiofibrosis can aid in its differentiation from HCC.
- MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing noncancerous hepatic lesions in this rat model.
- Further studies may refine MRI protocols for improved diagnostic accuracy.
