Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for evaluation of cardiac tumors

摘要: Sir, It is with great interest we read the articles about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cardiac tumors in European Radiology [1–5]. Some authors stress value contrast media diagnostic workup tumors, e.g., for differentiation tumor and additional thrombi [6]. We would like to emphasize that dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI studies during first pass possibly allow an even more comprehensive evaluation perfusion. As these sequences are applied myocardial perfusion, they use perfusion as well. Time-intensity curves can be created a region-of-interest analysis enable semiquantitative patterns different tumors. performed contrastenhanced two patients paracardiac masses next right atrium. During intravenous administration 0.2 mmol gadoliniumdiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (GdDTPA) per kilogram body weight (flow: 5 ml/s), axial T1-weighted sequence (single-shot TrueFisp saturation recovery) was (1.5 T Scanner). The electrocardiogram (ECG)gated measured three slices heart beat over 60 beats without disturbing artifacts. 51-year-old man revealed bulky mass originating from atrium extracardial infiltration (Fig. 1a). Contrast-enhanced demonstrated slow increasing time-intensity curve 2a). showed irregular enhancement. Biopsy angiosarcoma infiltrating heart. 44-year-old woman enhancement pattern 1b). steep slope followed by washout phase, indicating highly vascularized stromal 2b). Castleman’s lymphoma, which had been considered our differential diagnosis. therefore recommend gain further information vascularization tissue. Analysis timeintensity (e.g. up/down slope, time-to-peak) regional might relevance. However, clinical firstpass MR techniques characterization has still defined needs investigation. Electronic Supplementary Material material available this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00330006-0148-y.