MR imaging of gallbladder carcinoma

Eighteen patients with gallbladder carcinoma were examined with a 1.5-T MR imaging unit (General Electric Signa). Every case had some degree of tumor spread beyond the gallbladder. Direct liver invasion and hepatic metastases were identified as areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and as areas of hypo- or isointensity to the liver parenchyma on T1-weighted images. Duodenal invasion was identified by fusion of tumor and duodenum. Direct extension to biliary ducts and lymphatic spread to the hepatic hilus, hepatoduodenal ligament, and paraaortic regions was apparent on T1-weighted images as soft-tissue masses with good contrast to the surrounding fat tissues. Additionally, because of the signal void of the portal vein and arteries, the involvement of these vessels was clearly demonstrated, a finding that is of great clinical importance. Although not useful in detecting small gallbladder lesions. MR imaging appears to be effective for depicting the extent of gallbladder carcinomas