Magnetic resonance imaging of hematomas in a 0.02 T magnetic field.

One intramuscular calf hematoma, 2 ankle hematomas and 4 cephalhematomas were imaged at various ages in a low magnetic field (0.02 T). At least one spin echo (SE) multislice image and a series of inversion recovery images (IR) were made varying the inversion time for estimation of the relaxation time T1. T1 tended to shorten and T2 to stay unchanged. With an unsuitable pulse sequence the hematomas were not visible. They were best seen with short TIs. The images of one of the ankle hematomas and the calf hematoma were compared with sonographic findings. The appearances of the hematomas varied during aging with both imaging modalities. The hematomas were easier to detect with magnetic resonance imaging than with ultrasound, also when aging.