BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In multiple sclerosis, gadolinium enhancement is used to classify lesions as active. Regarding the need for a standardized and accurate method for detection of multiple sclerosis activity, we compared 2D-spin-echo with 3D-gradient-echo T1WI for the detection of gadolinium-enhancing MS lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-eight patients with MS were prospectively imaged ...

PURPOSE To examine the interaction of echo train length and interecho spacing and their effects on image quality and contrast in fast spin-echo sequences of the cervical spine. METHODS Forty-three patients with suspected cervical disk disease were prospectively evaluated with fast spin-echo with varying echo train lengths and interecho spacing. A flow phantom was used to confirm findings rela...

Hajime Sakuma,' Kakuya Kitagawa,' Yasutaka Ichikawa,' Nanaka Ishida,' Kan Takeda,' Naoki Kato,' Satoshi Yoshise.* Mie University, 2-1 74 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, Japan; 2Nihon Schering, 2-6-64 Nishimiyahara, Osaka, Japan Introduction: With recent advances in fast imaging techniques, contrast enhanced cardiac MR study can provide comprehensive assessments of myocardial perfusion, cardiac function and...

Magnetic resonance imaging techniques measuring CBF have developed rapidly in the last decade, resulting in a wide range of available methods. The most successful approaches are based either on dynamic tracking of a bolus of a paramagnetic contrast agent (dynamic susceptibility contrast) or on arterial spin labeling. This review discusses their principles, possible pitfalls, and potential for a...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to optimize a new rapid-acquisition MR pulse sequence, called fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-recalled (FMPSPGR) imaging, for breath-hold imaging of the liver and to compare unenhanced and contrast-enhanced FMPSPGR with standard spin-echo imaging in detecting liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The pulse sequence was optimized at 1.5 T with a healthy ...

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarct scars are usually imaged by delayed-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-cMR). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the detection and quantification of myocardial scars can be evaluated by 3D echocardiography (3D-echo). METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty patients with a healed myocardial infarction (>3 months) and 10 controls underwent 3D echo and DE-cMR within...

Objective- To evaluate the effect of epidural anesthesia with lidocaine and bupivacaine on transit time of barium sulfate contrast medium through gastrointestinal (GI) tracts in healthy dogs. Design- Prospective, randomized experimental study. Animals-Five healthy mixed breed male dogs with 19.2±7.8 months age and 19.9±3.3 kg weight Procedure- The animals received one of the treatments of sa...

PURPOSE To study the effects of iodinated radiographic contrast agents on proton relaxation in MR imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two patients were evaluated after the intrathecal administration of an iodinated nonionic contrast agent (Isovue) and five subjects with cranial tumors following the intravenous administration of an iodinated ionic contrast medium (Renografin). RESULTS Both patient...