[Comparative animal experiment study of aseptic abscesses using MRI: use of Gd-DTPA].

Sterile, chemically induced abscesses in the liver, kidney and muscles of 15 rats were investigated by MRI using Gd-DTPA as intravenous contrast media. Before and after administration of Gd-DTPA in a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg, the intensity, T1 and T2 values of both healthy and diseased tissues were recorded. The appearance of the lesions were compared visually. In all three organs the lesions were detectable by MRI without application of contrast media on T2-weighted images. The pattern of contrast enhancement was different in muscle compared to liver and kidney. In muscle typically a ring enhancement pattern was seen, whereas in liver and kidney the lesions appeared homogeneous after contrast media application. We conclude that the application of Gd-DTPA is helpful in defining abscesses in the evaluated organs.