Einspieler R, Ebner F, Posawetz W, Ranner G, Flückiger F, Lammer J
Department of Radiology, Karl Franzens University of Graz Medical School, Austria.
Eur J Radiol. 1991 Jul-Aug;13(1):21-6. doi: 10.1016/0720-048x(91)90050-6.
High-field MRI was performed in a series of 24 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue, oro- and hypopharynx. The value of contrast enhanced T1-weighted images in tumor staging was established prospectively. Non-contrast T1-weighted images did not provide sufficient tumor-delineation. Marked contrast enhancement produced by Gd-DTPA was observed in all carcinomas and in normal pharyngeal mucosa. In tumors of the tongue and upper pharynx clinical examination and ultrasound were equally sensitive as post-contrast MRI; in tumors of the lower pharynx the true tumor extension could be better assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI.
