Differential diagnosis of pathology using gradient recalled ECHO MRI

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gradient recalled echo sequence of MRI in differential diagnosis of pathology. Between September 2004 to January 2005, MR examination was performed for nine patients (Seven men and two women; Average 54 years old, range 22 to 72 years) with head and neck tumors: five melanomas, two adenocarcinoma, one adenoid cystic carcinoma, and one malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). T1-weighted spin-echo transverse, T2-weighted spin-echo transvers, T2-weighted gradient recalled echo transvers, and post contrast and fat-suppressed MR images were obtained. In almost all cases of melanomas, moderate low intensity on gradient recalled echo sequence was seen. In non-melanomas, low intensity was not recognized on gradient recalled echo. Gradient recalled echo MR images are effective in differentiate the melanomas from non melanomas in head and neck area. (author)