Multiple single sections Turbo FLASH MR arterial portography in the detection of hepatic neoplasms

Abstract

Objective: To determine the sensitivity of multiple single sections Turbo FLASH MR arterial portography (MRAP) in the detection of hepatic neoplasms. Methods and Patients: Twelve patients with hepatic mass underwent MRAP prior to hepatic resection. Findings of MRAP were compared with surgical specimen and intra-operative ultrasonography (US). Results: A total of 19 separate malignant neoplastic nodules were identified in the resected specimens or intra-operative ultrasonography. The sensitivity was 89.5% (17/19) for MRAP. MRAP depicted all neoplasms more than 1.0 cm in diameter. Two lesions not depicted on MRAP had a diameter of 5 and 9 mm, respectively. One lesion identified by MRAP was confirmed to false positive lesion by intra-operative US. Conclusion: Multiple single sections Turbo FLASH MRAP may be a valuable adjunct for pre-operative detection of malignant hepatic neoplasms.