The application of three dimensional contrast enhanced subtraction MRA in the diagnosis of extremity musculoskeletal diseases / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the value of three dimensional contrast enhanced subtraction MRA (3D CES MRA) in the diagnosis of extremity musculoskeletal diseases. Methods Fifteen cases of extremity musculoskeletal diseases proved by operation and pathology were studied, including upper extremity ( n =5), lower extremity ( n =10), soft tissue and vascular lesions ( n =8), and skeletal lesions ( n =7). All examinations were performed with GE 1.5 T MRI scanner. Sagittal scout images were obtained by 2D FMPSPGR sequences. Before and after contrast enhancement, coronal 3D FSPGR sequence was performed in the same parameters within 32 seconds. The plain source images were subtracted by enhanced source images in the workstation. The subtracted images were processed by MIP technique, such method is so called 3D CES MRA. Results All lesions were demonstrated accurately by 3D CES MRA, including vascular lesions ( n =6), tumors in the soft tissue ( n =3), benign skeletal tumors ( n =1), and malignant skeletal tumors ( n =3). Compared with pathology, the diagnosing accuracy rate of 3D CES MRA was more than 90%. Conclusion 3D CES MRA is an advanced, safe, and noninvasive method in diagnosing extremity musculoskeletal diseases, further more, it can save time and resources. In general, 3D CES MRA has a great value in clinical application.