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.