Postendovascular Aneurysmal Repair Increase in Local Energy Loss for Fusiform Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Assessments With 4D flow MRI.

BACKGROUND: Although endovascular aneurysmal repair (EVAR) is a preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) owing to its low invasiveness, its impact on the local hemodynamics has not been fully assessed. PURPOSE: To elucidate how EVAR affects the local hemodynamics in terms of energy loss (EL). STUDY TYPE: Prospective single-arm study. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0 T/4D flow MRI using a phase-contrast three-dimensional cine-gradient-echo sequence. POPULATION: A total of 13 consecutive patients (median [interquartile range] age: 77.0 [73.0, 78.8] years, 11 male) scheduled for EVAR as an initial treatment for fusiform AAA. ASSESSMENT: 4D flow MRI covering the abdominal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries and the corresponding stent-graft (SG) lumen was performed before and after EVAR. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured within 1 week before and 1 month after EVAR. The hemodynamic data, including mean velocity and the local EL, were compared pre-/post-EVAR. EL was correlated with AAA neck angle and with BNP. Patients were subdivided into deformed (N = 5) and undeformed SG subgroups (N = 8) and pre-/post-EVAR BNP compared in each. STATISTICS: Parametric or nonparametric methods. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (r). The interobserver/intraobserver variabilities with Bland-Altman plots. A P value < 0.05 is considered significant. RESULTS: The mean velocity (cm/sec) at the AAA was five times greater after EVAR: 4.79 ± 0.32 vs. 0.91 ± 0.02. The total EL (mW) increased by 1.7 times after EVAR: 0.487 (0.420, 0.706) vs. 0.292 (0.192, 0.420). The total EL was proportional to the AAA neck angle pre-EVAR (r = 0.691) and post-EVAR (r = 0.718). BNP (pg/mL) was proportional to the total EL post-EVAR (r = 0.773). In the deformed SG group, EL (0.349 [0.261, 0.416]) increased 2.4-fold to 0.848 (0.597, 1.13), and the BNP 90.3 (53.6, 105) to 100 (67.2, 123) post-EVAR. CONCLUSION: The local EL showed a 1.7-fold increase after EVAR. The larger increase in the EL in the deformed SG group might be a potential concern for frail patients. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for ventricular tachycardia: A study protocol.

Background: Currently, the standard curative treatment for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) is radiofrequency catheter ablation. However, when the VT circuit is deep in the myocardium, the catheter may not be delivered, and a new, minimally invasive treatment using different energies is desired. Methods: This is a protocol paper for a feasibility study designed to provide stereotactic radiotherapy for refractory VT not cured by catheter ablation after at least one catheter ablation. The primary end point is to evaluate the short-term safety of this treatment and the secondary endpoint is to evaluate its efficacy as assessed by the reduction in VT episode. Cyberknife M6 radiosurgery system will be used for treatment, and the prescribed dose to the target will be 25Gy in one fraction. The study will be conducted on three patients. Conclusion: Since catheter ablation is the only treatment option for VT that is covered by insurance in Japan, there is currently no other treatment for VT/VF that cannot be cured by catheter ablation. We hope that this feasibility study will provide hope for patients who are currently under the stress of ICD activation. Trial registration: The study has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs042230030).

Embolization using patient-specific vascular models created by a 3D printer for difficult cases: a report of two cases.

With the widespread use of three-dimensional printers, organ models created by these printers are now being used in the medical field for preoperative planning of surgeries. In this article, we report two cases in which embolization was expected to be difficult, and the three-dimensional printer-based vascular modeling was helpful in planning the surgery. The first case involved an aneurysm of the splenic artery. We attempted to embolize the aneurysm but were unable to advance the catheter into the distal artery and discontinued the procedure. The second case was a perianal varicose vein, which was initially treated with percutaneous transhepatic obliteration but was recanalized and required embolization. However, we expected difficulty in selecting the inferior mesenteric vein. In both cases, the vascular models were created using a 3D printer from the patients' computed tomography images. Preoperative planning, including treatment simulation, was based on these models. The time required to print a three-dimensional vascular model was approximately 12 hours at a cost of less than $10 each. Patient-specific vascular models using a three-dimensional printer can be a simple and inexpensive tool that can increase the success of embolization in difficult cases.

Pipeline Esophagogastric Varices Secondary to Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction Treated Endoscopically with the Assistance of Transileocolic Obliteration.

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for esophagogastric varices (EGV) was attempted for a 29-year-old man with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. However, pipeline varices characterized by a large blood flow volume were present, and the sclerosant did not accumulate sufficiently in them. Transileocolic obliteration (TIO) using coils was performed, but some EGVs and palisading veins remained. Thus, EIS was performed once again immediately after TIO. Since a reduction in the intravariceal blood flow was achieved by preceding TIO, effective injection of sclerosant into the vessels was possible. For pipeline varices difficult to treat endoscopically, combination therapy with TIO may be effective.

Natural History of Unruptured Visceral Artery Aneurysms Due to Segmental Arterial Mediolysis and Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Retrospective Multiinstitutional Study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to clarify the natural history of unruptured visceral artery aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis and the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patients with a pathologic or clinical diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis between 2005 and 2015 were enrolled. For patients with clinical diagnoses, images were collected and assessed by central radiologic review. To clarify the natural history of unruptured aneurysms, the morphologic changes were assessed. The efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization for aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis were evaluated. RESULTS. Forty-five patients with 123 aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis were enrolled. Among the 123 aneurysms, 70 unruptured aneurysms were evaluated for natural history. Forty-five of the 70 (64%) aneurysms had no change in morphology. Among the other 25 aneurysms, nine (13% of the 70) were reduced in size, 13 (19%) disappeared, and three (4%) were newly found at follow-up. Aneurysms of the middle colic artery were ruptured in 10 of 11 (91%) cases. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed on 45 aneurysms and was successful in all cases but caused slight arterial injury in three cases (6.7%). CONCLUSION. At initial diagnosis, unruptured aneurysms due to segmental arterial mediolysis are likely to be stable or to resolve, but the risk of rupture of aneurysms of the middle colic artery appears high. Transcatheter arterial embolization is a useful treatment, but careful manipulation is necessary.

Simplification of balloon-occluded retrograde transcatheter obliteration procedure using a coaxial double balloon catheter compared with a single-balloon catheter.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a coaxial double balloon catheter for simplification of the balloon-occluded retrograde transcatheter obliteration (BRTO) procedure compared with a single-balloon catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent BRTO with a single-balloon catheter (Single-balloon group, n = 15) or a coaxial double balloon catheter (Coaxial group, n = 18) were included, retrospectively. The frequency of additional procedures for stagnation of sclerosant including ethanol injection, coil embolization, and additional balloon occlusion for collateral draining veins; the dose of ethanolamine oleate (EO); and the complication rate and the success rate of sclerosant stagnation were evaluated. RESULTS: Additional procedures were needed in four patients in the Coaxial group, which was significantly lower than that in the Single-balloon group (nine patients, P = 0.038). The dose of EO in the Coaxial group (11.2 ± 6.6 g) was lower, but not significantly different than that in the Single-balloon group (14.4 g ± 6.1 g, P = 0.184). The complication rate and the success rate of sclerosant stagnation were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of a coaxial double balloon catheter can simplify the BRTO procedure compared with a single-balloon catheter.

A case of stent-graft implantation for postpancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage in a patient with a reconstructed gastric tube.

In patients with a reconstructed gastric tube, the right gastroepiploic artery is a very important feeding artery of the tube, which must be preserved when performing a pancreaticoduodenectomy. A 76-year-old man with a reconstructed gastric tube underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma. On postoperative day 8, he had an arterial hemorrhage from a drain, apparently from a ligation of the anterior superior duodenal artery. He, therefore, underwent stent-graft placement in the gastroduodenal artery. The stent-grafts were temporarily occluded, and the gastric tube was necrotizing. However, thrombolytic therapy allowed the stent-grafts to reopen and prevented gastric tube necrosis. We believe our case of stent-graft implantation in the gastroduodenal artery is the first of this kind to successfully prevent lethal necrosis of the gastric tube.

Evaluation of segment 4 portal vein embolization added to right portal vein for right hepatic trisectionectomy: A retrospective propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Adding segment 4 (S4) portal vein embolization (PVE) to right PVE before right hepatic trisectionectomy is controversial. We retrospectively examined the effect of S4 PVE on segments 2 and 3 (S2 + 3) hypertrophy. METHODS: We reviewed patients with biliary carcinoma who underwent right PVE with (R3PVE) or without (R2PVE) S4 PVE using gelatin sponge particles and coils (2010-2019). Propensity score matching balanced the cohort for baseline characteristics, including total liver volume and S2 + 3 volume before PVE. We compared the groups regarding the S2 + 3 volume changes after PVE. RESULTS: Of 178 enrolled patients, 38 underwent R3PVE for right hepatic trisectionectomy and 140 underwent R2PVE for right hepatectomy. Twenty-eight patients from each group were respectively matched. The median absolute volume increase in (146 cm3 vs 70 cm3 ), hypertrophy rate of (52.4% vs 32.3%), and kinetic growth rate of (3.1%/wk vs 2.0%/wk) S2 + 3 were significantly higher in the R3PVE group than in the R2PVE group. In the pre-matched cohort, the rate of posthepatectomy liver failure and postoperative hospital stay did not significantly differ between the patients who underwent right hepatic trisectionectomy and right hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: R3PVE increased the S2 + 3 volume more effectively than R2PVE in patients with biliary carcinoma.

Efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization using gelatin sponge particles and metal coils.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) can increase the future liver remnant (FLR) volume before extended liver resection; however, there is no current consensus regarding the best embolic material for PTPE. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of PTPE using gelatin sponge particles and coils. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 136 patients who underwent PTPE using gelatin sponge particles and metal coils were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the procedural details, liver volume on CT, and clinical status before and after PTPE. RESULTS: The mean FLR volume increased significantly from 390 ± 147 cm3 to 508 ± 141 cm3 (P < 0.001). A mean of 22.1 ± 9.4 days after PTPE, the mean increase in the ratio of FLR volume to total liver volume was 9.4 ± 6.5%. Complications related to PTPE occurred in five patients, including arterial damage (n = 4) and biloma (n = 1). The white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level increased significantly and then returned to baseline within seven days. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase showed no significant changes. Fever (defined by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0) was reported in 74 patients (54%), but it was generally mild (Grade 1/2; n = 72). None of the patients experienced severe complications that required cancellation of surgery. CONCLUSION: PTPE with gelatin sponge particles and coils may impose low physical stress on patients and is a safe method of inducing a significant increase of FLR.

Magnetic resonance imaging of cardiac sarcoidosis: an evaluation of the cardiac segments and layers that exhibit late gadolinium enhancement.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) can cause sudden death, which is the leading cause of mortality in patients with sarcoidosis in Japan. However, it is difficult to diagnose CS because of the lack of a sensitive diagnostic method for the condition. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrates improved sensitivity for diagnosing CS. Therefore, it is important to know the late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) characteristics of CS on cardiac MR images in order to diagnose CS accurately. In this study, we investigated the most common sites of LGE on cardiac MR images in CS. Late gadolinium-enhanced MR images of 9 consecutive patients with CS (obtained between August 2009 and July 2015) were reviewed by two radiologists. The distribution of LGE was evaluated using the American Heart Association 17-segment model of the left ventricle. The LGE in each segment was also classified into 4 patterns according to the myocardial layer in which it occurred (the subepicardial, subendocardial, intramural, and transmural layer patterns). All 9 patients exhibited LGE in their left ventricle, and 70 of 153 (46%) myocardial segments were enhanced. All of the patients displayed LGE in the basal septal wall. The patients' LGE layer patterns were as follows: subepicardial: 40% (28/70), intramural: 30% (21/70), subendocardial: 16% (11/70), and transmural: 14% (10/70). The basal septum wall and subepicardial layer often exhibit LGE on cardiac MR images in CS patients. LGE can be observed in other segments and layers in some cases.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors containing areas of iso- or hypoattenuation in dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography: Spectrum of imaging findings and pathological grading.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) features of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) containing areas of iso- or hypoattenuation and the relationship with pathological grading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2006 and March 2014, 61 PNETs in 58 consecutive patients (29 male, 29 female; median-age 55 years), which were surgically diagnosed, underwent preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. PNETs were classified based on contrast enhancement patterns in the pancreatic phase: iso/hypo-PNETs were defined as tumors containing areas of iso- or hypoattenuation except for cystic components, and hyper-PNETs were tumors showing hyperattenuation over the whole area. CT findings and contrast-enhancement patterns of the tumors were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists and compared with the pathological grading. RESULTS: Iso/hypo-PNETs comprised 26 tumors, and hyper-PNETs comprised 35 tumors. Not only hyper-PNETs but also most iso/hypo-PNETs showed peak enhancement in the pancreatic phase and a washout from the portal venous phase to the delayed phase. Iso/hypo-PNETs showed larger tumor size than the hyper-PNETs (mean, 3.7 cm vs. 1.6 cm; P<0.001), and were significantly correlated with unclear tumor margins (n=4 vs. n=0; P=0.029), the existence of cystic components (n=10 vs. n=3; P=0.006), intratumoral blood vessels in the early arterial phase (n=13 vs. n=3; P<0.001), and a smooth rim enhancement in the delayed phase (n=12 vs. n=6; P=0.019). Iso/hypo-PNETs also showed significantly higher pathological grading (WHO 2010 classification; iso/hypo, G1=14, G2=11, G3=1; hyper, G1=34, G2=1; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: PNETs containing iso/hypo-areas showed a rapid enhancement pattern as well as hyper-PNETs, various radiological features and higher malignant potential.

Stent-graft treatment for extrahepatic portal vein hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

We report a case of intraperitoneal hemorrhage from the extrahepatic portal vein after pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma. A stent-graft was deployed from the superior mesenteric vein to the main portal vein using a transhepatic approach. After the procedure, the patient remained free of intraperitoneal hemorrhage and was discharged 2 months later.

Solitary fibrous tumors in the extremities: imaging findings for six patients.

The purpose of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings for solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) in the extremities in correlation with histopathological findings. Between 2006 and 2013, 6 consecutive patients with SFT in an extremity were studied with MRI (6 patients) and CT (4 patients). Diffusion-weighted images were also performed in 3 patients and dynamic contrast-enhanced CT in 2 patients. All 6 tumors were diagnosed after surgical excision, and the pre-surgical imaging findings were correlated with the histopathological findings. As a result, all 6 patients were female, and each had a clearly palpable, well-circumscribed, round or oval mass adjacent to fascia in an extremity, of less than 10 cm maximum diameter in 5 patients. On MRI, the tumors were iso-intense with muscle on T1-weighted image, and appeared heterogeneous and high-intensity on T2-weighted image. After injection of a contrast agent, the tumors demonstrated strong enhancement. A vascular pedicle was detected in 4 patients with tumors having a maximum diameter more than 5 cm. Diffusion-weighted images demonstrated high signal intensities, and apparent diffusion coefficient values were iso to high compared to muscle (from 1.41-2.10×10(-3) mm(2)/s). All the tumors were benign histopathologically and clinically. In 1 patient, the imaging appearance revealed underlying histopathological components, including fibrous-rich, cellular-rich, and myxoid change areas. In conclusion, a SFT in an extremity comprises a well-circumscribed mass adjacent to fascia having a fibrous-dominant area, strong contrast enhancement, and a vascular pedicle.

Assessment of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization with portal vein stenting for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with severe portal vein stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical efficiency of portal vein (PV) stenting when performed with preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPVE) in patients with severe PV stenosis due to tumor invasion. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013, four consecutive patients (one male, three females; mean age, 52 years; age range, 25-73 years) with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and PV stenosis underwent PTPVE and PV stenting. Patients were analyzed with regard to the procedure, hypertrophy of the future remnant liver (FRL), and plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green by the FRL (ICGK-F). Further, the %FRL volume increase in PTPVE was compared between the stenting group and the usual PTPVE group who have perihilar cholangiocarcinomas without PV stenosis. RESULTS: Preoperative PTPVE with PV stenting was successfully performed and portal flow to the FRL improved after stenting in all four patients. The %FRL volume increase was 18-60% (mean, 34%) in the stenting group and was 12-51% (mean, 21%) in the usual PTPVE group. The ICGK-F value after PTPVE exceeded 0.05 in all four patients. All patients achieved R0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PTPVE with PV stenting appears to be feasible in cases of severe PV tumor invasion and stenosis. This procedure may allow a broader indication for surgery.

Diagnostic value of SPIO-mediated breath-hold, black-blood, fluid-attenuated, inversion recovery (BH-BB-FLAIR) imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas.

PURPOSE: We assessed the value of adding a breath-hold, black-blood, fluid-attenuated, inversion recovery (BH-BB-FLAIR) sequence with a small motion-probing gradient (b=10 s/mm(2)) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) to our present studies that utilize SPIO to detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We used inversion recovery (IR) in a FLAIR sequence to suppress signals from cysts and a low b-value to suppress vessel signals and provide higher signal to noise than that using high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging. Use of SPIO is expected to reduce the signal in both normal liver parenchyma and in most benign lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 19 patients, we reviewed 38 HCC nodules diagnosed by CT arterioportography (CTAP) and CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA). We divided SPIO-mediated images into sets, those obtained with and without BH-BB-FLAIR. Six radiologists individually interpreted the 2 image sets and sorted them by their confidence levels for the presence of HCC, and we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (Az) for each image set. RESULTS: On images obtained with BH-BB-FLAIR after SPIO administration, 33 of the 38 HCC nodules appeared as areas of high signal and cyst signal was extinguished. The ROC analysis showed significantly higher Az values in the set with BH-BB-FLAIR (0.89) than in the set without (0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Adding BH-BB-FLAIR to existing SPIO-mediated imaging protocols improved detection of HCC nodules and added only 24 s to the scan time.

Stent-graft treatment for bleeding superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

We report two cases of intraperitoneal bleeding from superior mesenteric artery (SMA) pseudoaneurysm after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head carcinoma. In both cases, a stent-graft was deployed on the main SMA to exclude pseudoaneurysm and to preserve blood flow to the bowel. Bleeding stopped after the procedure. One patient was able to be discharged but died from carcinoma recurrence 4 months later. The other patient died of sepsis and stent-graft infection 5 months later. These patients remained free of intraperitoneal rebleeding during the follow-up period.

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of metastatic brain tumor at 3 tesla: utility of T(1)-weighted SPACE compared with 2D spin echo and 3D gradient echo sequence.

We evaluated the newly developed whole-brain, isotropic, 3-dimensional turbo spin-echo imaging with variable flip angle echo train (SPACE) for contrast-enhanced T(1)-weighted imaging in detecting brain metastases at 3 tesla (T). Twenty-two patients with suspected brain metastases underwent postcontrast study with SPACE, magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MP-RAGE), and 2-dimensional T(1)-weighted spin echo (2D-SE) imaging at 3T. We quantitatively compared SPACE, MP-RAGE, and 2D-SE images by using signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) for GM-to-WM, lesion-to-GM, and lesion-to-WM. Two blinded radiologists evaluated the detection of brain metastases by segment-by-segment analysis and continuously-distributed test. The CNR between GM and WM was significantly higher on MP-RAGE images than on SPACE images (P<0.01). The CNRs for lesion-to-GM and lesion-to-WM were significantly higher on SPACE images than on MP-RAGE images (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in each sequence in detection of brain metastases by segment-by-segment analysis and the continuously-distributed test. However, in some cases, the lesions were easier to detect in SPACE images than in other sequences, and also the vascular signals, which sometimes mimic lesions in MP-RAGE and 2D-SE images, were suppressed in SPACE images. In detection of brain metastases at 3T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, SPACE imaging may provide an effective, alternative approach to MP-RAGE imaging for 3D T(1)-weighted imaging.

Endovascular management of ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms associated with celiac axis stenosis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysms associated with celiac axis stenosis (CS). Seven patients (four men and three women; mean age, 64; range, 43-84) were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization between 2002 and 2007. They were analyzed with regard to the clinical presentation, radiological finding, procedure, and outcome. All patients presented with sudden epigastric pain or abdominal discomfort. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a small aneurysm and retroperitoneal hematoma around the pancreatic head in all patients. The aneurysms ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 cm in size. In one patient, two aneurysms were detected. The aneurysms were located in the pancreaticoduodenal artery (n = 5) and the dorsal pancreatic artery (n = 3). Embolization was performed with microcoils in all aneurysms (n = 8). N-Butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (n = 1) and gelatine particle (n = 1) were also used. Complete occlusion was achieved in four patients. In the other three patients, a significantly reduced flow to the aneurysm remained at final angiography. However, these aneurysms were thrombosed on follow-up CT within 2 weeks. And there was no recurrence of the symptoms and bleeding during follow-up (mean, 28 months; range, 5-65 months) in all patients. In conclusion, transcatheter arterial embolization for PDA aneurysms associated with CS is effective. Significant reduction of the flow to the aneurysm at final angiography may be predictive of future thrombosis.

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the brain using T1-weighted FLAIR with BLADE compared with a conventional spin-echo sequence.

The BLADE and PROPELLER (periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction) techniques have been proposed to reduce the effect of head motion. Preliminary results have shown that BLADE also reduces pulsation artifacts from venous sinuses. The purpose of this study was to compare T1-weighted FLAIR acquired with BLADE (T1W-FLAIR BLADE) and T1-weighted spin-echo (T1W-SE) for the detection of contrast enhancement in a phantom and in patients with suspected brain lesions and to compare the degree of flow-related artifacts in the patients. A phantom filled with diluted Gd-DTPA was scanned in addition to 27 patients. In the phantom study, the peak contrast-to-noise ratio of T1W-FLAIR BLADE was larger than that of T1W-SE, and the position of the peak was shifted to a lower concentration. In patients, the degree of flow-related artifacts was significantly higher in T1W-SE. Among the 27 patients, 9 had metastatic tumor, and 18 did not. On a patient-by-patient basis, the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of metastatic lesions on axial T1W-SE were 100% and 55.6% respectively, while on axial T1W-FLAIR BLADE they were 100% and 100%. T1W-FLAIR BLADE seems to be capable of replacing T1W-SE, at least for axial post-contrast imaging to detect brain metastases.