http://www.appliedradiology.com RSS Feed on Applied Radiologyhttp://www.appliedradiology.com//Issues/2002/09/Supplements/Dynamic-Contrast-Enhanced-MRI-of-the-Liver-and-Pancreas.aspx<SUP>1</SUP> <P>There are both practical and theoretical roles for high-dose gadolinium MRI of the liver. The practical role, which encompasses applications in clinical use today, involves a combination of tissue imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). This combination can be achieved through two approaches, either a three-dimensional (3D) technique that enables simultaneous acquisition of both tissue imaging and MR angiographic information (VIBE, or volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination), or a combination of a two-dimensional (2D) spoiled gradient-echo technique, followed by 3D MRA. <P>When image quality is paramount, it is preferable to choose the 2D spoiled gradient-echo technique, followed by 3D MRA. This approach is often used for surgical planning, involving either a living related transplant donor scheduled for hemiliver donation, or a patient with liver metastases, in whom a complex surgical procedure necessitates the creation of a high-quality vascular road map. <SUP>2</SUP> </P> </P>Sunday, 29 Sep 2002 14:53:29 GMT