Magnetic resonance imaging of intracranial tumors using gadolinium-DTPA. Initial experience with fast imaging.

One hundred and fifty gadolinium(Gd)-DTPA studies in patients with intracranial tumors were performed. In meningiomas (n = 37) Gd-DTPA is useful to delineate isointense tumors. In acoustic neuromas (n = 16) Gd-DTPA helps to identify intracanalicular tumor tissue. In pituitary adenomas (n = 16) para- or suprasellar tumor extension can be better appreciated after Gd-DTPA injection. In glioblastomas (n = 23) Gd-DTPA provides data on differential diagnosis through the characteristic shape of enhancement. In a variety of tumor types the high contrast between enhancing tumor tissue and adjacent structures facilitates therapy planning. Fast imaging sequences now allow for dynamic Gd-DTPA studies. The time-course of enhancement may increase specificity of magnetic resonance imaging.