ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the value of MR imaging with a contrast enhanced multi phasic isotropic volumetric interpolated breath hold examination (VIBE) in diagnosis of primary liver carcinoma. Methods Thirty two consecutive patients with surgical pathologically confirmed 42 foci of primary carcinoma of liver underwent comprehensive MR examination of the upper abdomen, routine two dimensional (2D) T1WI and T2WI images were acquired before administration of Gd DTPA for contrast enhancement. Then, contrast enhanced multi phasic VIBE was acquired followed by 2D T1WI images. The lesion appearances on hepatic arterial, portal venous and equilibrium phases of VIBE sequence were carefully observed along with delineation of hepatic arterial and portal venous structures. The lesion detection rates and lesion characterization ability were compared among various MR sequences. Results 33(78.6%), 30(71.4%), 38(90.5%) and 42(100%) foci were displayed respectively on T2WI, non enhanced T1WI, enhanced T1WI and enhanced 3D VIBE images ( P