Spin-echo (SE) and stimulated-echo (STE) modes in combination with Gd-DTPA: MR image contrasts

In a comparative study, the authors examined MR imaging contrast appearances in normal and pathologic tissues. The patient examinations were performed using different spin-echo (SE) and stimulated-echo (STE) sequences before and after the intravenous application of Gd-DTPA (Phillips Gyroscan S 15; 1.5 T). Most patients had tumors of the musculoskeletal system. In comparing the results of examinations performed with and without Gd-DTPA, they found that both SE and STE sequences produced more detailed information about the tumorous lesion itself, and in particular about the surrounding structures and its alterations, if Gd-DTPA was injected. In addition, the combination of STE and Gd-DTPA could have greater diagnostic potential than the combination of SE/Gd-DTPA because of increased contrast