Detection of hepatic tumors: arterial-phase MR imaging versus spiral CT arteriography

Background: To compare the utility of arterial-phase magnetic resonance (APMR) imaging and spiral computed tomography arteriography (CTA) for detection of hepatic tumors. Methods: Both APMR imaging and CTA were performed in 24 patients with liver tumors. APMR imaging was initiated at 25-30 s after an intravenous bolus injection of gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid using the fast multiplanar spoiled GRASS technique. CTA was initiated at 3 s after hepatic arterial injection of 30-64% nonionic contrast agent. APMR and CTA images were separately reviewed retrospectively by two blinded readers. Afterward, matched pair was reviewed to determine which had better lesion conspicuity. Results: The sensitivities for hepatic tumors were 67.2 and 86.6% in APMR and CTA, respectively (p < 0.01). Seven (12.5 %) and 21 (23.9%) false-positive lesions were seen at APMR and CTA, respectively (NS). Lesion conspicuity was comparable between APMR and CTA. Conclusions: Although APMR imaging is an useful noninvasive method to detect hypervascular liver tumors, APMR imaging is still not an alternative to CTA with respect to tumor detectability.