Brain Tumors Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Brain Tumors, including details on symptoms, benign and malignant tumors, gliomas, screening, treatment.

Comparison of Gd-DTPA-induced signal enhancements in rat brain C6 glioma among different pulse sequences in 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

Sato H, Enmi J, Teramoto N, Hayashi T, Yamamoto A, Tsuji T, Naito H, Iida H

Laboratory for Diagnostic Solutions, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, Research Institute, National Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan. camo@ri.ncvc.go.jp

BACKGROUND: T1-shortening contrast media are routinely used in magnetic resonance (MR) examinations for the diagnosis of brain tumors. Although some studies show a benefit of 3 Tesla (T) compared to 1.5T in delineation of brain tumors using contrast media, it is unclear which pulse sequences are optimal. PURPOSE: To compare gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA)-induced signal enhancements in rat brain C6 glioma in the thalamus region among different pulse sequences in 3T MR imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five rats with a surgically implanted C6 glioma in their thalamus were examined. T1-weighted brain images of the five rats were acquired before and after Gd-DTPA administration (0.1 mmol/kg) using three clinically available pulse sequences (spin echo [SE], fast SE [FSE], fast spoiled gradient echo [FSPGR]) at 3T. Signal enhancement in the glioma (E(T)) was calculated as the signal intensity after Gd-DTPA administration scaled by that before administration. Pulse sequences were compared using the Tukey-Kramer test. RESULTS: E(T) was 1.12+/-0.05 for FSE, 1.26+/-0.11 for FSPGR, and 1.20+/-0.11 for SE. FSPGR showed significantly higher signal enhancement than FSE and comparable enhancement to SE. CONCLUSION: FSPGR is superior to FSE and comparable to SE in its ability to delineate rat brain C6 glioma in the thalamus region.

Published 26 February 2008 in Acta Radiol, 49(2): 172-9.
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