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Skin: MR imaging findings at middle field strength
J M Hawnaur1, M J Dobson, X P Zhu
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Manchester, England.
Radiology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively stages skin tumors, including basal cell carcinoma, by accurately depicting invasion depth. This technique complements clinical staging and provides detailed findings correlating with histology.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Accurate staging of skin tumors is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers high-resolution anatomical detail.
- Current staging methods may have limitations in precisely defining tumor invasion depth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of middle-field-strength MR imaging for staging skin tumors.
- To assess the correlation between MR imaging findings and histologic data.
- To determine the optimal MR imaging sequences for skin tumor characterization.
Main Methods:
- MR imaging was performed on a 0.5-T system using a surface coil.
- T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo (SE), fast SE, and 3D spoiled gradient-recalled imaging sequences were utilized.
- The study included three volunteers and 13 patients with various skin tumors, including basal cell carcinoma.
Main Results:
- MR imaging findings showed good correlation with histologic examination of skin tumors.
- The epidermis appeared relatively hyper-intense, while the dermis was hypo-intense with an irregular interface with subdermal fat.
- Three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient-recalled imaging provided the best balance of tissue contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for determining the depth of skin tumor invasion.
- The imaging findings are complementary to information obtained from clinical staging.
- 3D spoiled gradient-recalled imaging is recommended for optimal visualization of skin tumors.