Dynamic MR imaging of small hepatomas

This paper demonstrates and characterizes small hepatomas (≤ 3 cm in their greatest diameters) by CT, ultrasonography (US), or angiography. Dynamic MR imaging was performed in order to detect and characterize small hepatomas. Dynamic MR imaging was performed with serial imaging - gradient-echo, fast low-angle shot (FLASH), flip angle 40 degrees, TR = 50 msec, TE = 10 msec - with rapid injection of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight). Two to three 10-mm sections were obtained every 20-30 seconds up to 5 minutes. Time-intensity curves were generated and evaluated. Twenty-three hepatomas with histologic and/or biochemical confirmation were investigated; the detection rate and enhancement patterns of dynamic MR imaging were compared with those of conventional and dynamic CT