3DTF-FLASH MR imaging of pancreatic cancer with gadopentetate dimeglumine

Purpose: We evaluated the usefulness of dynamic 3-dimensional Fourier transformation (3DFT) fast low angle shot (FLASH) MR imaging using gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) to assess the extent of pancreatic cancer. Material and Methods: Breath-hold 3DFT-FLASH MR images (20/4; 25 degrees flip angle; 7 partitions: 3-5-mm slice thickness) were obtained before the administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd-DTPA, just after (early phase), and 1 and 2 mid (late phases) after in 1 1 patients with pancreatic cancer. All patients underwent surgical removal or laparotomy. We compared the findings of T1-, T2-, and postcontrast T1-weighted spin-echo (conventional SE) and 3DFT-FLASH imaging with histologic or surgical findings. Results: Dynamic MR images could delineate the pancreatic tumors more clearly than the conventional SE images, and were useful for diagnosing vessel invasion. The contrast-to-noise ratio between the pancreatic cancer and the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma was significantly higher with the dynamic 3DFT-FLASH image than with the conventional SE images (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Dynamic 3DFT-FLASH MR imaging with Gd-DTPA is useful in delineating and evaluating the extent of pancreatic cancer.