Usefulness of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Brain Tumors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of dynamic MR imaging in the differential diagnosis of brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dynamic MR imaging was performed in 43 patients with histopathologically proved brain tumrs. Serial images were sequentially obtained every 30 seconds for 3--5 minutes with use of spin-echo technique(TR 200msec/TE 15msec) after rapid injection of Gd-DTPA in a dose of 0.1mmol/kg body weight. Dynamics of contrast enhancement of the brain tumors were analyzed visually and by the sequential contrast enhancement ratio(CER). RESULTS: On the dynamic MR imaging, contrast enhancement pattern of the gliomas showed gradual increase in signal intensity(SI) till 180 seconds and usually had a longer time to peak of the CER. The SI of metastatic brain tumors increased steeply till 30 seconds and then rapidly or gradually decreased and the tumors had a shorter time to peak of the CER. Meningiomas showed a rapid ascent in SI till 30 to 60 seconds and then made a plateau or slight descent of the CER. Lymphomas and germinomas showed relatively rapid increase of Sl till 30 seconds and usually had a longer time peak of the CER. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MR imaging with Gd-DTPA may lead to further information about the brain tumors as the sequential contrast enhancement pattern and CER parameters seem to be helpful in discriminating among the brain tumors.