MR Imaging of Hepatic Metastases Caused by Neuroendocrine Tumors: Comparing Four Techniques

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The aim of our prospective study was to assess the MR imaging characteristics of hepatic metastases of neuroendocrine tumors and to determine the optimal MR sequence for their detection.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors underwent 1.5-T MR imaging of the liver comprising T2-weighted fast spin-echo with respiratory monitoring, breath-hold T2-weighted single-shot fast spin-echo, and T1-weighted gradient-recalled echo sequences before and after the injection of gadoterate dimeglumine. Images were reviewed independently by three observers for the number, location, and pattern of signal and enhancement of metastases.RESULTS. A total of 359 metastases were detected, 279 on T2-weighed fast spin-echo, 231 on T2-weighed single-shot fast spin-echo, 272 on unenhanced T1-weighted, 322 on hepatic arterial phase, and 228 on portal venous phase images. Hepatic arterial phase images revealed the greatest number of metastases in 70% of patien...