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Magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of focal liver lesions: comparison of dynamic contrast-enhanced TurboFLASH and T₂ weighted spin echo images

Department of Clinical Radiology, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK

In a previous study using dynamic contrast-enhanced TurboFLASH (DCETF) for demonstration of the portal venous system we found that this technique showed more liver lesions than T₂ weighted spin echo (T₂WSE) imaging in the same patients. In this study we have formally compared axial T₂WSE images (TR2000, TE 45/90) with TurboFlash images (TR 135, TE4, FA 80°) acquired immediately after bolus injection of Gd-DTPA (0.1 mmol kg_–1) in 41 patients referred for hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery for liver lesions. The images of each sequence were independently reviewed by two observers. The lesions were counted and each sequence was scored for conspicuity, level of artefact and subjective image quality. Contrast-to-noise ratios using user denned regions of interest were calculated. Significantly more lesions were seen on DCETF (n=186) images than on T₂WSE (n=123) images (p<0.001). Lesion conspicuity was equal in 53% of cases, better on DCETF in 36% and better on T₂WSE in 11%. Contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher on DCETF images (p<0.05). DCETF imaging provided a substantial improvement in lesion detection compared with T₂WSE imaging.

^* Present address: MRI Unit, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK.

Received for publication September 6, 1994. Revision received January 3, 1995. Accepted for publication January 12, 1995.

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