Radiology, Vol 196, 471-478, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Detection of liver metastases: comparison of superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T with dynamic CT, intraoperative US, and percutaneous US
KD Hagspiel, KF Neidl, AC Eichenberger, W Weder and B Marincek
Department of Medical Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
PURPOSE: To compare the sensitivities of superparamagnetic iron oxide-
enhanced and unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T with those
of percutaneous ultrasound (US), intraoperative US (IOUS), and dynamic
computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative assessment of metastatic liver
disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with liver metastases who
were candidates for curative surgery underwent presurgical imaging.
Thirteen patients underwent surgery and IOUS after undergoing preoperative
US, CT, and MR imaging. RESULTS: In the preoperative imaging group, the
standard of reference was the total number of lesions detected with any of
the modalities. Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging was the
most sensitive modality (99%). In the surgical group, the standard of
reference was the total number of metastases identified at IOUS and
pathologic examination. IOUS had the highest sensitivity (80%), followed by
superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging (56%). CONCLUSION:
Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced high-field-strength MR imaging
facilitates the preoperative evaluation of potentially curable metastatic
liver disease; however, it is inferior to IOUS.
